A new year means it is the perfect time to set some new goals to work towards over the next 12 months. Before you can set your goals, you need to understand the core concepts of goal setting. Your goal should be SMART:
Specific — write down exactly what you want. For example, it is not I want to lose weight, it is I want to lose 10 pounds.
Measureable — it should be defined. You don’t say I want to save more money for my trip, you would say I want to save $1000 for our vacation.
Attainable — make sure it is something you can do. A goal is not run 15 miles every day….but rather, I will work to run at least 1 mile every day.
Relevant — don’t look at what others do. Make sure your goal works for you.
Time Bound — define the date by which you need to reach your goal.
Once you have reviewed this tips and have your goals in mind, you need to be able to track them easily. Many choose to write them down and place them on your bathroom mirror, where you are sure to see them each and every morning. Others are looking to technology to help them keep on track. Here are a few FREE apps which might help you do just that (I usually don’t pay for apps, unless I am upgrading to a pro version after trying one out and making sure it is a fit for me).
The Habit Factor is one of the best selling goal apps on the market. You can enter up to 3 habits and 1 goal on the lite version, so you can try it out before you commit to the full price purchase. This app is great in helping you achiever your goals, whatever they might be.
You can use this app on either your Android or Apple Device. (Upgrade on Android for $4.99 or Apple for $3.99). You can take a test drive of the lite version on your PC before you buy it.
Way of Life – The Ultimate Habit Maker & Breaker
This app is the perfect tool if you are trying to change a habit. Perhaps you want to work out every morning or want to stop drinking so much coffee. This app can help! It is free and currently available only through the App Store. I used this one last year to help me get on track with my workout routine….
This is another app available to help you keep track of your achievements. You log whatever your goal might be from exercise to diet to spending. This app is available only on the Android Market at this time.
Goal Tracker is another free app to help set weekly, monthly or even yearly goals! You can select them for just about any category you wish and will get reminders each and every day, to help keep you on track. This app is available for Android Devices only.
Tracie is a stay at home mom to three young children; ages 4, 6 and 8 in Raymore, Missouri. In November 2007, she and her husband decided to eliminate their debt and made many changes in their lifestyle to do just that.
In 27 months, they eradicated over $37,000 in debt through both budgeting and learning how to live a frugal life. She now shares her knowledge in order to help you stretch your hard-earned dollars so you can live the life you want.