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Non-Traditional Alternatives to SMART Goals

Since the early 1980s, SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely) have been the standard method for setting goals. The SMART method works well for goals that have a specific outcome. But if you are working on personal goals or creating and maintaining habits, it may not be as helpful. It’s cliché, but SMART goals focus on the result, not the journey. Don’t give up on goals, though! After we share some insights about why SMART goals aren’t perfect for every goal, we’ll

January 11 is National Clean Off Your Desk Day

We’re not sure how official this holiday is, but if you haven’t already decluttered and cleaned your desk for the new year, this is a great time to do it. Whether your desk is in a corporate office, cubicle, home office, or corner of the dining room table, an uncluttered, organized, and clean workspace will help you work more efficiently. Working in an organized space can often help us destress and better focus on our projects.

Quick tips to do it right:
• Take everything off your desk – mugs,

Setting Goals: What's Your "Why"?

We’ve all been there: it’s 11:59pm and you’re counting down to midnight on New Year’s Eve. You clink your glass with friends and family, then suddenly declare, “This year, I’m going to save more money!” or “This year, I’m going to finally reach my goal weight!” You count carbs and pennies for the first two weeks in January, then you decide it’s too much effort and give up. Perhaps you’ve already given up for 2023.

What went wrong, and why do so many of us repeat this insanity every year? We did

Recovering from Burnout and Finding Joy

Are you physically, emotionally, or mentally exhausted for no apparent reason? You may be experiencing burnout: exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation, usually from prolonged stress or frustration*. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, 43 percent of workers in the U.S. said they were dealing with burnout. After the pandemic began, that number rose to 52 percent. This kind of stress can affect anyone, anywhere (work, school, and home), and at any stage of life*.

Signs of burnout i

Coping with Goal-Setting Anxiety

Does the thought of setting goals fill you with dread because you are afraid you won't meet them? Do you have so many ideas that you are figuratively (perhaps literally) going in circles, unable to focus on anything for long? If so, it's time for a reality check so you can more efficiently and effectively create a goal plan that will challenge but not overwhelm you.

Identify your goals. Choose short term (takes a month or two), medium-term (takes 6 months), and long-term (takes a year, five yea

Knowledge Management: The Process and Getting Buy-in

You’ve decided you need a knowledge management system (KMS) in your office. Great – if done properly, it will help you save time and money. Before you start comparing tools, you need to get buy-in from your team and determine your process. Part of that process will include choosing a tool that best fits your needs. Remember: It may take a little longer to do all this planning in the beginning, but you will be grateful for it. Now that so many employees work remotely, creating and maintaining a K