How to Start the New Year Right

By now, the high spirits that came with the New Year have most likely worn off already. Most of us have put behind the celebration and have hunkered down to face the nitty gritty of everyday life. Still, it has only been twelve days since 2008 began and the notion of starting the year right is still relevant.

Besides, the New Year is supposed to be the chance to turn a new leaf and become the productive, healthy and happy person we've always wanted to be, isn't it?

But how does one start the New Year right? Making a list of New Year's resolutions would probably be the quick answer. Unfortunately, this so-called list ends up as nothing but unrealized good intentions and broken self-promises - simply because the eagerness to make changes rapidly fizzles like a wet firecracker as soon as the realization sets in that change is a long, arduous process.

To avoid this, we should skip making a new year's resolutions list that is almost always half-serious wishful thinking. Instead, let us work on making a list of goals - not just any kind of goals, but smart goals. SMART meaning: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time bound. Yes, the SMART project management concept can be used in making our own personal goals for the year.

For every goal you have, apply the S.M.A.R.T. concept. For example, instead of saying 'I have to lose weight this year', it would be more effective to say 'I have to lose 10 lbs. by March 2008 through regular exercise'. Instead of vowing 'I need to save up' you can devote a specific percentage of your income over a specific period of time as savings.

Make sure that your goals are measurable - you have to set down a specific number or amount. This way, you will know if you're on the right track or off the mark. You should also be realistic in setting your goals - know your limitations and work around them. The goals should also be within a specific time frame. Your mindset will be more tuned towards achieving the set goals.

Of course, it doesn't mean that laying down S.M.A.R.T goals is all it takes. It is not easy and there are no shortcuts. A lot of willpower and commitment is still necessary to achieve one's goals. But having S.M.A.R.T goals could be the start of the change we are aiming for. Our goals don’t have to be big and lofty; we can start with small but manageable goals that in turn will help us achieve our bigger goals. Besides, making the change doesn't need to be a single, monumental turnaround. As the Chinese proverb says, we can move mountains by chipping away the small stones.

Personally, I'm still working on my own list of S.M.A.R.T goals for this year. I hope I achieve them all. Indeed, having small but S.M.A.R.T goals could be the best way to start the New Year right.