By JOY NELSON THOMAS OF NEW JOURNEY MANAGEMENT GROUP 

As the first quarter of the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect and plan ahead. The beginning of a new year often comes with resolutions, fresh goals and new strategies!

You wonder, how long does it last? Studies show nearly 92% of people will not follow through on a resolution. As I dug deeper, I found out there is actually a concept called “Quitter’s Day.” Right, I was thinking the same thing…and guess what? It’s actually the second Friday in January! Yes, just two weeks.

I believe it’s because, as time passes, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of everyday life, drop the plan and forget to reassess. Here’s why planning at the end of the first quarter is crucial and how you can set yourself up for success in the upcoming months using SMART goals.

Review Your Goals and Progress

By the end of March, you’ve likely made significant strides toward your New Year’s goals – or perhaps, you’ve encountered obstacles. Some may have even quit! Don’t quit. This is your chance to assess where you stand and adjust if necessary.

1. Stop and revisit your goals.
   Revisit the objectives you set at the start of the year. Are they still relevant? Have your priorities shifted? Sometimes, after a few months, our initial goals might need tweaking to better align with current circumstances or changing priorities. Don’t be afraid to adjust your goals to reflect what’s most important right now!
2. Assess your progress.
   Have you achieved the milestones you set for yourself? If not, what barriers did you face? Analyze what’s worked well and what hasn’t, so you can course correct.
3. Monitor key metrics.
   Whether in business, personal finance, fitness or other areas, track your progress toward your goals. These measurements help identify trends and pinpoint areas where improvement is needed.

Set SMART Goals for Q2

One of the best ways to set yourself up for success in the next quarter is to define SMART goals – specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound objectives. SMART goals give you clarity and focus, helping you stay on track and achieve more. Here’s how you can apply SMART goals:

1. Specific: Be clear and precise about what you want to achieve.
2. Measurable: Your goal should have quantifiable criteria.
3. Achievable: Set goals that are challenging yet realistic. If your goal is too ambitious, you might lose motivation. Be sure your target is something you can reasonably accomplish within the set timeframe.
4. Relevant: Ensure your goal aligns with your broader objectives and long-term vision. Ask yourself, “Will this goal move me closer to my larger purpose?”
5. Time-bound: Set deadlines for your goals. A clear timeframe creates a sense of urgency and helps you stay focused.

Setting SMART goals for Q2 will help you break down your larger goals into smaller, more manageable tasks, making progress easier to track and measure. Remember, the key is not to overcomplicate things. Keep your goals simple, clear and achievable so you can stay motivated and make steady progress toward success.