Setting up for Success: West Valley’s Resolutions and SMART Goals for the New Year

A week into the New Year usually marks the first checkpoint to see how successful a resolution may be. For many, a New Year’s resolution is hurriedly made and almost as quickly broken. At West Valley one•n•ten the youth learned the secrets to making SMART goals and resolutions that allow people to reach their objectives realistically and positively. Lead by West Valley’s fearless Captain Mike Schneider, the group was asked to share past resolutions; either successful or ones that ended in failure to give others ideas for their own resolutions in 2013. For those that had failed in reaching previous goals, they were asked what prevented their success. Many challenges identified revolved around Energy, Resources, or Procrastination.

The group was introduced to setting SMART goals; Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely resolutions that have a much higher chance for success due to them breaking down large, seemingly impossible goals into smaller manageable ones. The group was asked to think of a goal they would like to achieve in the next 90 days that they will write down and address to themselves in next week’s group meeting. After the 90 days have passed, the resolutions will be sent to the youth for them to review if they were able to achieve their goals. The evening helped set a positive and productive attitude for 2013 and helped to ensure that our youth can make positive and attainable goals for themselves in both the short term and the long term when they become leaders in our community.