New year resolutions are interesting because many are focused on physical health. Examples of this include losing weight, exercising more, or eating healthier. Some resolutions revolve around financial health, with actions like saving more money or spending less. I have known some to include spiritual health resolutions. They attempt to attend church more often or set aside dedicated prayer and meditation time.
As you consider your desires for the new year, I encourage you to pay attention to your mental and emotional health as well.
To help you, we are introducing a plan to get you started.
Start at the beginning
To reach your chosen outcome, you must know your starting point. The starting point will help you map out a strategy that will get you to your destination quicker. First, observe the situations that cause your stress levels to increase. Second, figure out the type of stress you are personally experiencing. Third, gain an understanding of the intensity of each stress episode. The following steps help you find your starting point.
Decide on a clear outcome
Now you have a clearer understanding of the types and intensity of stress you feel. To figure out a result that fits your needs, answer the following questions. How do you want to feel instead? What will be different inside of you? Remember that you may not have the capacity to immediately change the situation or circumstance. You can, however, change the way you respond to it. One’s response is a key element of stress management. Decide what you want to feel or experience when once you complete this work.
Develop a measurable goal
Okay, Sis. This is where we fail ourselves. You have figured out your starting point. Your destination is clear. Now you must set a course to reach your destination in the most efficient manner available.
I encourage you to create a goal statement that is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time specific. These are the components of a SMART goal. SMART goals help you create a roadmap towards your destination or outcome.
The benefits of a goal written using the SMART format include the following.
- It will help you to break your goal down to specific action steps.
- You are better able to decide which action steps are affective and which ones need tossing.
- You have a clear and visible way to measure of your progress.
- Roadblocks and hinderances become easier to assess relative to your desired outcome.
Review
Anytime you desire to make changes, you should assess, review, and evaluate your progress. This is an ongoing process. We mistakenly wait too long. Assessment begins as soon as you have your SMART goal statement.
Begin by assessing whether your goal statement has all the components needed so that it is written in the SMART goal format.
Second, evaluate each part. Ask yourself if the goal is specific. Do you have a clear destination or outcome? Can you measure your progress towards your outcome? Think of it this way. When you are taking a road trip, you have signs and landmarks to make sure you are going in the right direction. With a SMART goal, you also need signs or landmarks to make sure you are traveling in the right direction.
Can you achieve the goal that you’ve created? Be honest with yourself. You may need to rethink what you have outlined. Is your goal realistic? Writing a goal to be stress free is not attainable nor is it realistic. Stress is a natural bodily response. Overwhelming stress damages the body.
Finally, assess whether your goal statement is time bound. How long will it take you to reach your destination? What is your estimated time of arrival (ETA?) Your goal statement requires a time limit to help with accountability.
Change happens when we are ready to commit to the process. Setting a New Year resolution is one way to jumpstart your transformation. Setting a specific, achievable, realistic, and time-bound goal provides a roadmap for you to follow.
We would like to support your transition from being overwhelmed with stress to blessed. Take the quiz.
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