It’s always the right time to try and improve yourself. However, the start of a new year provides the perfect reason to hit the reset button and make a change for the better. After all, setting goals is vital for positive development. At UWM, there are several ways team members are encouraged to set and exceed goals, both personal and professional.
How To Set Goals The SMART Way
You’re more likely to reach your goals when you add details that help you to increase motivation and stay accountable. Making your target specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-based gives you a roadmap to follow.
- Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve.
Example: Instead of saying “I want to save money,” specify “Save $3,000.” - Measurable: Determine how you will measure progress.
Example: “I will save $750 each quarter.” - Achievable: Make sure to set realistic goals that aren’t out of reach.
Example: “After reviewing my budget and cutting unnecessary costs, my funds cover all my expenses and still allow me to save $750 each quarter.” - Relevant: The goal should matter to you and align with other relevant goals.
Example: “Saving $3,000 will allow me to buy a car, which will reduce travel time and costs.” - Time-Based: Set a deadline. The goal should have a clear and specific start and finish date.
Example: “I will save $3,000 by December 31.”
Vague or unclear goals often lack actionable steps, leaving you with uncertainty as to how to start. With a SMART goal-setting strategy, you know exactly what you want to achieve and why.
As a UWM team member, you’ll have monthly one-on-one sessions with team leader called YourTimes where you can set personal and professional goals and measure your progress. Your leader is there to help you set SMART goals and break those down into manageable steps, while also checking in regularly to see how you’re doing. YourTimes help you achieve your goals by providing a framework that supports you.
Accountability is important for ongoing motivation and commitment. At UWM, we have an internal task system that keeps everyone on track. Whatever you’re working on, from cross-team projects to personal to-do items, this system allows for organization, communication and collaboration. Not only does this keep everyone informed, but it also holds you accountable and helps you stay motivated.
What Can UWM Do For You?
At UWM, you’re not alone. No matter your goal, there is a community of like-minded people to share insights, experiences and encouragement, as well as various resources on campus to support you.
Goal #1: Saving Money
Is this the year you’ve decided to get your finances in order? UWM offers various resources and benefits to help you stay on top of your financial goals. UPerks, for example, are special discounts and deals from local businesses that help you save money. UWM also partners with Spartan Wealth Management to give you free and easy access to financial advisors on campus who can help you reach your personal financial goals.
Goal #2: Getting Healthy
Why not level up your fitness game at work? UWM’s on-site, state-of-the-art gym is free and open 24/7, and the indoor basketball court is perfect for friendly games throughout the day. More than 15 sports leagues allow you to stay active during the year, while bicycles are available throughout campus for the warmer months. Plus, UWM’s wellness team organizes various wellness workshops to cover everything from physical to mental health.
If you’re more of a competitive spirit, challenges like the nutrition or hydration challenge will have your motivation up in no time. The most anticipated competition is the annual Win By Losing Challenge. It’s a 10-week weight loss challenge with weekly weigh-ins, fun raffles and exciting prizes that has helped team members change their lives. UWM’s cafeteria also has a variety of healthy food options and the convenience store offers nutritious snacks for every craving — no guilty conscience needed.
Goal #3: Career Growth
Want to focus on your career this year? Mock interviews give you the opportunity to sharpen professional skills and get valuable feedback from leaders afterward. Job shadows are a chance to gain insights into different roles across the company. A perk called Career Chat also lets you sit down with a career coach to set professional goals and determine the best route to reach them. And with a whole team focused on leadership development, there are resources and support to help you step up and grow.
Goal #4: Saving Time
We could all use a little more time, right? At UWM we bring convenience to team members to help them save time. The on-site doctor’s office, chiropractor, massage and hair salon make staying on top of appointments easy. No need for traffic or long wait times. Lockers from Huntington Cleaners offer easy laundry drop-off, packages can simply be handed over to the mail room and useful service calls can take care of a tire change while you sit comfortably at your desk. You can even get your shopping done without leaving the campus thanks to a variety of events hosting local businesses throughout the year. The on-site ATM ensures that you always have access to cash when you need it.
Whatever your aspirations, setting goals and ensuring you take advantage of the resources around you will help you stay motivated and on track throughout the year. Remember to make your goals SMART, so you know what you want to accomplish and how to measure progress and success. UWM is committed to creating a work environment that empowers our team members and offers them the resources and support they need to succeed. As you embrace the new year, make sure your workplace enables you to set, pursue and achieve professional and personal goals. Not in the UWM family yet? Apply now to join a team that supports your goals!