Members Only | 01.30.24
Editor’s Message: Set Your SMART Goals
By Karen Claxton, CPCS, CPMSM, FMSP
Happy New Year! What are your plans for 2024? What goals do you have for this year? I am not talking about resolutions. We all make and break New Year’s resolutions every year. It is estimated that 92% of people do not achieve their New Year’s resolutions (Sinkus, 2021). I am talking about personal and professional goals. Goals you can write down in SMART format, track, and check off when complete. SMART format is recommended to ensure the goal is specific and focused. (SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.) Did you know that just writing a goal down can mean you are 61% more likely to achieve the goal (Pyke, 2022)? Dr. Gail Matthews conducted a research study and documented the power of writing down your goals. If you take it a step further and plan out action steps and document weekly progress, you are 76% more likely to achieve the goal (Pyke, 2022).
If you have not yet set a goal or two for the 2024, I have a few suggestions:
- Certification: This year is the perfect time to achieve CPCS® or CPMSM® certification or dual certification. Why certify? Certification(s) indicate dedication and expertise, and the certification process will increase your knowledge, help you gain confidence, and facilitate career advancement.
- Fellow Designation: Do you have 15 years of experience in the medical services profession? Have you considered applying for fellow designation? It takes some planning. NAMSS fellows are recognized career MSPs who have made outstanding contributions to the profession through service as a leader, mentor, and educator. The NAMSS Fellow Designation signifies knowledge, service to the organization, and advancement of the profession. The application period will open this summer. Visit the NAMSS website to review the criteria.
- Volunteering: NAMSS and our affiliate state members are always looking for volunteers. Volunteering aids learning of new skills, provides a sense of purpose, increases networks, and improves health (Thoreson, 2023). Reach out to your state leadership or the NAMSS Leadership Development Work Group to discuss volunteer opportunities.
- Mentoring: MSPs are known for the support and mentoring of others. Many of us contribute our success as MSPs to the generosity and wisdom of our mentors. Is 2024 the year for you to move from mentee to mentor? The NAMSS Mentorship Program is available for mentees and mentors. Learn more here.
- Formal Education: With the availability of accredited online programs, furthering our education is easier than ever. Many employers offer education assistance to reduce the financial burden. Furthering our formal education teaches us new skills, shows commitment, and can assist in career advancement.
- Speaking/Presenting: Most MSPs have experiences and wisdom to share with others. Public speaking is not always comfortable or easy, but it is an important skill to develop. One survey indicates that 70% of Americans agree that presentation skills are critical to success at work (Gallo, 2014). This is a skill that requires practice, but it is a worthy endeavor. A good first step is to find a seasoned presenter to co-present with at a state conference.
What about unexpected opportunities? Richard Branson is credited with the quote: “If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes — then learn how to do it later!” This quote has become my motto over the last several years. If presented with a good opportunity, I say yes. I do not ask for time to think about it so that I do not have an opportunity to talk myself out of it. I know that once I have committed to something, I will make it happen. It has gotten me into some scary situations, but I usually feel exhilarated after taking a chance — even when I fail at it. It may not be a great showing, but it will be better next time!
It is human nature to avoid being uncomfortable. When presented with something new or different, our instinct is to avoid it. We want to stay where we are comfortable and confident. Avoiding being uncomfortable is self-limiting and stunts our growth. When we learn new skills or try new things, we practice resilience, meet new people, increase our network, and build self-esteem. We may even discover new abilities and passions. All of the suggested goals above require you to be vulnerable, take a chance, and be uncomfortable. I challenge you to set goals for 2024 and take advantage of unforeseen opportunities.
I look forward to serving you this year. Please let me know how NAMSS can support you.
Sources
Gallo, C. (2014, September 25). New survey: 70% say presentation skills are critical for career success. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/carminegallo/2014/09/25/new-survey-70-percent-say-presentation-skills-critical-for-career-success/?sh=6db2a59e8890
Pyke, C. (2022, January 31). 5 ways to make your goals more manageable. The Circle Planner. https://thecircleplanner.com/blogs/the-blog/5-ways-to-make-your-goals-more-manageable#:~:text=The%20same%20study%20by%20Dr,to%20the%20accountability%20they%20provide.
Sinkus, T. (2021, December 7). 92% of New Year’s resolutions fail. How to join the club of 8%? Medium. https://medium.com/@tauras.sinkus/92-of-new-years-resolutions-fail-this-is-how-you-join-8-club-247e6efed189
Thoreson, A. (2023, August 1). Helping people, changing lives: 3 health benefits of volunteering. Mayo Clinic Health System. Retrieved January 3, 2024, from https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/3-health-benefits-of-volunteering