USING THE SMART METHOD How to Become a Goal-Setting Master
SMART goals are S pecific, M easurable, A chievable, R elevant, and T ime-bound.
With the new year comes new goals. It seems that everywhere you turn this month, someone is talking about resolutions and goal-setting (including this article!). However, when it comes to setting New Year’s resolutions, around 80% of people give up or forget about their goals by the middle of February, or roughly seven weeks after setting their goals. Why is this? A large part of it has to do with the fact that our resolutions lack the specifics and accountability to keep us on target. It has to do with how we set goals. A lot of people will write down a list of goals or just keep their goals on their mind — but we all know when you try to remember something long- term, like a resolution, it will eventually slip your mind. To avoid this, you have to set goals with purpose — you have to write them down, track them, and have accountability. This is why the SMART method of goal-setting is one of the best ways to go. SMART goal-setting adds accountability and serves as a guide as you work toward your goals.
Specific Your goal is clear, well-defined, yet concise. It’s a goal that can be easily communicated to others who can hold you accountable or help you achieve the goal.
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MONTSERRAT O S WA L D
Measurable Write down steps to follow as you work toward your goal. At the same time, track and review your progress so you can make course corrections along the way.
Achievable Your goal is within reach. This doesn’t mean it’s an easy task to accomplish, but it’s been thought out, and you have the resources, ability, and confidence to see it through.
Relevant Your goal makes sense to you personally. It's one that has real value and will enrich you, your family, or your career.
Time-Bound You know exactly when you want to achieve your goal. There’s a firm date written on the calendar or note you can reference for motivation.
This year, challenge yourself to take a SMART approach to goal-setting. Give yourself time to really think about what you want to accomplish — and how you want to accomplish it — no matter what it may be.
Texas-Sized Laughs
HOPPIN’ JOHN
A traditional New Year’s favorite in the South, Hoppin’ John includes black-eyed peas that are said to represent coins, a sign of prosperity for the coming year. It’s usually served alongside collard greens, which represent cash.
INGREDIENTS
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1 cup dried black-eyed peas
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1 smoked ham hock 1 medium onion, diced 1 cup long-grain white rice
5–6 cups water
1 dried hot pepper, optional (arbol and Calabrian are great options)
DIRECTIONS
1. Wash and sort peas. 2. In a saucepan, cover peas with water, discarding any that float. 3. Add pepper, ham hock, and onion. Gently boil and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until peas are just tender, about 90 minutes. At this point, you should have about 2 cups of liquid remaining. 4. Add rice, cover, drop heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes, undisturbed. 5. Remove from heat and let steam for an additional 10 minutes, still covered. 6. Remove lid, fluff with a fork, and serve. Inspired by Epicurious
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