New Years Resolutions but make it SMART

New Years Resolutions:

Why do we abandon them so quickly?


There are many reasons why this happens, sometimes life just gets in the way, sometimes we think too broadly or “too big”, etc. One thing that helped me set my resolutions over the years has been using “SMART” goals.


Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. 


Using this framework for your resolutions allows you to set specific goals, and in doing that, it activates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine, and we love dopamine!! It’s our “feel good” chemical and drives motivation, reward enforcement, and pleasure.


When we break down our goals to be SMART, we set our brain up to find the motivation and willpower to achieve it, BUT that doesn't come without staying committed to changing our daily habits.


Let’s break down an example of a SMART goal:

“I want to cut down my plastic usage this year”

Great start! But… let’s dig a little further

“I want to cut down my plastic usage by using a refillable cup/bottle at least 5x a week, every day for 30 days”

  1. Specific- cutting down plastic usage by using a refillable bottle/cup

  2. Measurable- you can track your weekly usage and make sure you are refilling 5x a week

  3. Achievable- it is a goal that can be done by changing small habits- like keeping a bottle near your front door or placing it back in your vehicle every evening. 

  4. Relevant- Plastic bottle usage litters our oceans and landfills, along with exposing us to microplastics. The relevant portion is to align your goal with your personal values and long-term objectives. 

  5. Time-Bound: 5 days a week for 30 days keeps you on a small scale and not overwhelming your brain, thinking too far ahead.


SMART goals help you build new habits that align with your overall goal, making it that much easier to stick to it long-term! Along with building personal habits, you can visit businesses that encourage your goal, such as Val’s Bakery, for example. When you bring your own cup in to refill, they give you $1 off your drink order! If you get a coffee 3x a week, you’ll save $12 over the month.. Which may not seem like much, but after 1 year, you can save $156 just by reusing your own cup! 

Once the 30 days are up, you can reassess and set another goal that aligns, or just continue the same way for another 30 days!

Have you been successful with SMART goals? Let us know-


<3 Reduce & Reuse Refillery fam

https://wellbeings.org/the-science-of-setting-smart-new-years-resolutions/


Meg Hudson