My New Year's Resolutions for 2020

The end of the year is an opportune time to reflect on the past and prepare for the future. While I don’t believe New Year’s resolutions are set up for success, I believe SMART goal-setting is a better system for setting up goals and can be used at any time of the year. Here’s how I’m defining my SMART goals for the new year:

S (Specific) - This is the specific thing I need to physically do in order to achieve this goal.

M (Measurable) - This is the metric that needs to be achieved in order to achieve this goal. This must be number-related.

A (Achievable) - This is the opportunity that can help me achieve this goal.  Ask yourself, “What can I do to help me achieve this goal?”

R (Relevant) - This is the area of my life this goal pertains to.

T (Time-bound) - This is the time frame that I have to achieve this goal. Since these are New Year’s resolutions, the time frame will be 1 year.

This year, I decided on the theme of “refinement”. I want to refine my skills as a yoga teacher and cultivate a home practice that complements my needs. Without further ado, here are my SMART goals for the new year!

Goal #1: Explore other formats of teaching yoga.

S (Specific) - Teach in two different formats other than public classes (retreats, workshops, one-on-one, etc.).

M (Measurable) - Look for 3 opportunities to teach in a different format.

A (Achievable) - Look for opportunities through a studio and on my own.

R (Relevant) - This relates to my growth as a yoga teacher.

T (Time-bound) - Accomplish this goal within the next year.

Goal #2: Re-introduce meditation as a part of my yoga practice.

S (Specific) - Meditate at least 5 minutes a day. 

M (Measurable) - Meditate at least 5 days a week. 

A (Achievable) - Purposefully make time in my day to meditate. Set an alarm, if needed.

R (Relevant) - This relates to my ability to cope with strong emotions.

T (Time-bound) - Accomplish this goal within the next year.

Goal #3: Introduce meditation and mindfulness as a part of my yoga teaching.

S (Specific) - Introduce a meditation/mindfulness technique in class.

M (Measurable) - Introduce a meditation/mindfulness technique in at least one class a week.

A (Achievable) - Queue up a list of meditation/mindfulness techniques in a notebook.

R (Relevant) - This relates to my growth as a yoga teacher.

T (Time-bound) - Accomplish this goal within the next year.

I hope this style of goal-setting inspires you to make SMARTer goals in the new year. Did you make SMART goals? I’d love to see them! Share them with me here.

Please follow @nireltheyogini on Instagram and Twitter and Nirel the Yogini on Facebook for progress updates on my goals.