Does "older" and "SMARTer" still go together?

There are days when I ask myself that very question. One thing for sure … I'm definitely getting 'older.'  But, am I getting "SMARTer"? Suppose I'll just have to leave that answer to my family, friends, and avid blog followers who know me the best. For the rest of you (that I have totally fooled) you will be amazed at how 'smart' I am.

All kidding aside, wife and I have created a little process that works well for us when it comes to setting goals with the family. We focus on spiritual, financial, and physical … the mind, body, and soul.

For us, beginning with the spiritual lays the groundwork for priorities and substance. From there we focus on the financial aspect of running the family by preparing for what we expect will be the coming year's immediate needs and what we think will affect us in the next two to three. After that, the rest falls into place. 

Here are five steps to setting SMART family goals … in the hallway.

• Stay focused on what matters the most to you and your family. Think big and dream bigger.
• Make setting goals a fun activity with the family. The key words are 'fun activity' and 'with the family.' These are not just mom and dad's goals that are shoved down to the kids, but rather an excellent opportunity for teaching about mutual respect and give & take.
• Adorn your goals on poster board and have everyone draw pictures of what the completed goals will look like when achieved. (You'll be amazed at all the creativity.)
• Realize that each family member is motivated differently, so make sure to include something of importance for all.
• Trim the goal list to just a handful of really, really, important ones. These are the goals that must be done no matter what. It is easy to help keep yourself and your kids on track if you set up these boundaries in the beginning. Then later in the year when someone wants to do or buy something that will take away resources from the primary goals, you have a practical and reasonable starting point for the discussion that is based on fact and not 'just because you said so.'

Now to wrap this up, you will need to keep track of your progress and update your poster when progress is made or at least monthly. It would be a good idea to do a quick monthly recap as part of a family night activity. Make sure the goal poster is displayed where everyone can see it, such as on a wall in the laundry or mud room, maybe near a family desk that serves as a place for school work or study, or on the back of the door to that central closet that everyone uses to store umbrellas, shoes, and flippies.

Okay … so now the older has given you tips for a SMART family in the coming year. Go forth, my followers, and be wiser. Seriously, let me know how it goes and don't be shy about asking me how to help make this work for your family. After all, it is Thursday and time to talk tough with Troy.