Is 2009 the year of going to the gym, learning a new language or spending more time with your family? Are you one of those many enthusiastic joggers seen in early January? If so, great!

Are you still jogging?

As we know, life happens. With all the best intentions, our resolutions seem to slip away.

Many resolutions fail, because they involve our habits - and we do like our habits. Setting organised goals to help you and your team members make a positive change within your organisation can seem daunting. Most of us have a natural resistance to change, preferring to stick within our comfort zones.

A logical and helpful sequence can help with sticking to your goals or resolutions in the workplace. Using a process like S.M.A.R.T. methodology can combat our natural resistance to change:

S for Specific

Describe the specific, desired result clearly. For example, "I think I should probably train my team" is not specific enough. Rather, "My team will be trained in Customer Services Level 1, starting with Fred."

M for Measurable

Be accountable to yourself. If the aim is to train one person a month in a particular skill, set-up a monthly email with a training checklist to measure your success.

A for Achievable

Ensure that your resolution or goal is attainable and manageable .

R for Realistic

Be realistic in what you can achieve with the resources available to you.

T for Time-based

Give yourself a deadline. Set-up an email reminder if you need to. Ensure that your goal does not take longer than 12 months, as your New Year's resolution should be achieved before the next New Year arrives!

Following the S.M.A.R.T. process is just one way to ensure that you stick to your New Year's resolution.

Copyright Joanne Grey

For more tips involving the S.M.A.R.T. method, see our newsletter: 

http://www.teamworkspacific.com.au/files/newsletters/Newsletter_19_Decem...