Three Ways to Set Goals You’ll Keep

The start of a new year brings a chance for fresh beginnings—an ideal time to set new goals! Whether big or small, resolutions can pave the way to greater happiness and freedom. But let’s face it—there’s no one-size-fits-all method for setting and sticking to goals. This year, try a new approach with these strategies to make your resolutions stick.

SMART Goals

SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

How to use it: Design goals by answering key questions: What exactly do you want to accomplish (specific)? How will you measure success (measurable)? Is it realistic (achievable)? Does it align with your values (relevant)? And what’s your timeline (time-bound)?

Pros and Cons: SMART goals provide clarity and focus, keeping you motivated. However, crafting these detailed goals requires thoughtful effort, which may feel overwhelming for smaller tasks.

OKR Goals

OKR stands for Objectives and Key Results.

How to use it: Start with a clear Objective and back it up with three to five actionable Key Results. For example: “Save $5,000 by year-end by switching to the envelope system, opening a savings account called ‘Goals,’ and depositing spare change from purchases.”

Pros and Cons: OKRs help clarify your objectives and the steps to achieve them. However, writing effective OKRs takes practice, and a common pitfall is failing to include enough Key Results to support the Objective.

PACT Goals

PACT stands for Purposeful, Actionable, Continuous, and Trackable.

How to use it: Set a goal with a clear Purpose, focus on Actionable steps you can take today, plan for Continuous experimentation, and Track progress over time.

Pros and Cons: PACT goals are excellent for long-term ambitions, as they emphasize ongoing progress. However, for short-term or immediate goals, another method may be more effective.

This year can be your most successful yet! Reach out to our office today to ensure your financial goals align seamlessly with your personal aspirations.