Are you tired of New Year’s Resolutions that are vague? Unclear resolutions will just leave you flat-footed for the year ahead. Set S.M.A.R.T. goals.

S.M.A.R.T. is an acronym that stands for

  • Specific – Clearly defined and identified.

  • Measurable – Able to be measured or quantified.

  • Attainable – A challenging but achievable target.

  • Realistic – A practical, clear-sighted, feasible objective.

  • Timely – Occurring in a well-timed, seasonable manner.

Research shows that if we write down our goals we are much more likely to attain them. Writing your resolution down will make it a goal rather than an aspiration. Goal-setting will help you make progress towards your goals for your life. To illustrate setting S.M.A.R.T. goals, here are 5 of my New Year’s Resolutions:

New Year's Resolutions

S.M.A.R.T. Goals are Specific.

Specific goals help you to succeed. Vague goals will only cause you to repeat the same thing as you did last year. Make your goal as specific and clear as you can.

New Year's Resolutions

S.M.A.R.T. goals are measurable.

Measurable goals help you quantify your results. If you are like most women, the scale will go up and down every day. You need a goal that is not based on emotionalism but is factual. I took a bold step and shared my health issues and weight gain over the past years in my blog The Perfect Storm. Every week I am beginning the year with a medical fast/cleanse. I am in Day 3 of this and it is going great. There is nothing like a fast to cleanse your body of toxins. Comment on your own journey below.

New Year's Resolutions

S.M.A.R.T. Goals are Attainable.

Attainable goals are unique to each person. The positive seeds you have sown in past seasons can be reaped in the present season. It was a number of years ago when I sensed that I was called to write books. Publishing 9 Traits of a Life-Giving Mom is possible in 2014 largely because of the work that was done in past seasons.  Set goals that you can achieve.

New Year's Resolutions

S.M.A.R.T. Goals are Realistic.

Realistic goals need to be realistic for your gifts and abilities. There are some of you writers who can do 10 blogs a week – wow. My goal to blog 3 times a week is very challenging for me to meet. We will know at the end of 2014 if this is a realistic goal for me. According to Michael Hyatt, “A good goal should stretch you, but you have to add a dose of common sense.” Be willing to step out of your comfort zone.

         Begin Inspiring Women Radio on              Mondays at 8pm beginning January 20
S.M.A.R.T. Goals are time-bound.

Time-bound goals have a specific date associated with it. The due date helps you overcome the inertial of beginning something new. It propels you forward with momentum. It also helps you communicate your vision.

Many of you know that in 2013 we began The Healing Rain Radio Feature which is now on 50 Christian Music Stations. Now in 2014 we were looking for a longer flexible radio platform to give us an opportunity to encourage more people. With the working title of “Inspiring Women with Sue Detweiler” we will be launching live radio show that is able to hand 50 callers at a time.

Monday @ 8:00 pm Central Time (Beginning January 20) will be an Interview Program with inspiring guests.

TBA – There will be other special programs through out the year to help marriages and families.

All of these programs will be live – but can be replayed and shared through social media at ANY time that is convenient for you.

Can you take a minute and help me? Please Leave a Comment!

You can listen live to Inspiring Women by going to www.BlogTalkRadio.com/SueDetweiler. PLEASE CALL IN (323) 679-0977.

I really need your help AND your encouragement. This is a big undertaking! In many ways this is a “pilot program” and I need your input.

COMMENT NOW: Do you like this idea? Do you feel like it will help people? What topics would you like to be covered? What recommendations do you have? What New Year’s Resolutions are you making?