December brings happiness to so many of us. From the lights and festivities of the holiday season, and traveling with family and friends; to the excitement just gearing up for the New Year, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year! My favorite part, aside from visiting with my family on the other side of the country, is preparing for the new year. I really begin thinking about what my new goals will be around October (don’t you judge me! lol), but I really set out to get them written out and planned in December. This includes my new planner purchase, stickers, pens, notebooks, etc… yes, I’m THAT person. I also consider how I’d like my goals measured throughout the year- and this is what I thought might be helpful to share with you.

Goals are great, but without accountability, or an ability to measure them, they’re simply hopes and dreams… this is why resolutions tend to fail. We often set goals without a plan for consistently measuring progress, or developing a plan for accountability. So as you prepare for the new year, and are setting your own goals, consider a few things:

1. MEASURABLE goals are the goal. When you set your goals, you want each of them to be broken down into pieces (large or small) so that you can see progress along the way, and adjust as needed.

2. Accountability ensures success. Setting a goal and partnering with someone to help check in on your progress is helpful, but you can also be accountable to yourself. Schedule time, be it monthly, quarterly, or if needed, even weekly, to make note of your progress. Visual trackers, notes in a planner, or a simple checklist when the milestones are hit will keep you going.

3. Celebrate EVERY step. Motivation is not always a given. As humans, we lose focus or motivation often, that’s where discipline comes in. Doing it even when you don’t feel like, or want to, is discipline at work. A reward for that discipline helps reignite motivation. Keep track of the progress, and find a way to celebrate it, even if it’s simply acknowledging the growth for yourself. For your kids this might mean verbal praise (make it a BIG deal), hugs, and high fives, or it could be a bonus movie night at home- their choice of movie and snacks, of course!

Considering each of these things will make ensuring goals are met, or at least that significant progress is made toward the goal, much easier.

For a deeper dive, I thought an example of setting academic/educational goals for your student might be helpful. Stay tuned for next week’s post for great, measurable goals, ways to measure them throughout the year, and ideas for rewarding progress.

Happy December!