A Guide To Setting SMART Goals
Sometimes we set goals and then fall short, that’s okay. Everyone fails from time to time – it’s part of life’s journey. But if you find yourself consistently not reaching or giving up on your goals, it’s time to find a new way to set your intentions.
The value of setting goals in life cannot be overstated. We need to feel like we’re working toward a goal to ultimately feel fulfilled and joyful in life. But are all goals created equal? Not necessarily. The outcomes you want ultimately point to the quality of the objectives you’re setting for yourself – and if you’re not using SMART goals, you could be holding yourself back
MAKE YOUR GOALS S.M.A.R.T
So how exactly do you set intentions that you will actually stick to? Be SMART about it.
Before you set a goal, first figure out your “why.” By figuring out and articulating the reason you want to achieve something you are more likely to remain motivated to stick to it, rather than it being something you think you should do.
S - Small and Specific: Break your goals into smaller, more specific ones. For example, if your goal is to eat healthier in 2023, be more specific by making it about adding 1 fresh fruit or vegetable and a bottle of water per day for the month of January. Do you want to make more money this year? Saying you “want to earn more” is too vague. Instead, pick a number for how much money you want to earn. Is it $150,000 per year, $500,000 or even $1 million? Set a clear number to track your progress against. Having a specific goal is helpful in two ways: you can better visualize your outcome – imagine all those zeroes in your bank account – and you will know without a doubt when you’ve achieved it.
M - Measurable : All your goals must be measurable, that means you should be able to describe the physical manifestation of the outcome of your goal. Example, losing 2lbs per week by adding one fruit or vegetable and a bottle of water to our diet each day. Or, in the case of making $150,000 per year you can check the numbers as the year goes on to see if you’re reaching the goal.
A - Attainable and Accountability: Is your goal attainable? Can you realistically achieve your goal? Another great way to stay on track is to find an accountability partner. Example, someone who will check in to make sure you had your fruit/vegetable each day or someone who will ensure you meal prep. If it’s to make $150,000 do you have the potential to even earn that income (switching jobs, salary increase, unique skills, side hustles, etc). When you create a goal that’s too lofty, it can seem impossible. You may be overwhelmed and eventually give up.
R - Relevant and Realistic: Is this goal relevant to you or even realistic? Ensure you’re not setting a goal that you really don’t care about and hence not realistic. Example, I dislike running. If i make it a goal of mine to incorporate running 1 mile/day I know I will fail. Instead, I ensure I get my cardio in by getting on the elliptical, bike or taking a Zumba class. Realistic goals are those that you are willing and able to work toward that can be achieved by improving your current habits.
T - Timely: Make a tentative plan for everything you do. Don’t just make it a goal to exercise once per day. You know your schedule, you know if you’re a morning or late night person. Instead of saying you will work out once per day, say you will work out at 5:30 each morning for 1 hour before work/school. Do you think you can start earning your desired salary in six months, one year or two years? Having a clear time frame is essential for checking your progress along the way to reaching your goal.
A place to stay committed to your goals and dreams.
Get ready to get SMART, document and track your progress, remain accountable, feel motivated and smash your goals!
Here’s What’s Included:
35 printable journal pages of endless opportunity to stay on track with your health, financial, family, social, character, education and career goals.
Because of their effectiveness, SMART goals are commonly used in business, but you can also use them in your personal life, from creating fulfilling relationships to mastering a new skill. No matter which area of your life you want to improve, this tested strategy saves you the wasted time of not knowing precisely what you want or how to get it. SMART goals can help you “ladder up” to the bigger goals you set when you identify your purpose. Being purposeful and living with intention is what SMART goals are all about.
HOW TO ACHIEVE SMART GOALS
Now that we’ve answered the question “what is a SMART goal?” let’s look at a few tips for achieving them.
START SMALL
Instead of tackling your most urgent or loftiest goal pick something small to start with.
WRITE IT DOWN
According to a study conducted at the Dominican University in California, those who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them. It doesn’t matter whether you write your SMART goals in a journal, enter them into an app or type them into a Word document. Just make sure they are documented.
CHECK-IN REGULARLY
How long will it take you to reach your SMART goals? How do you know if you’re falling off track? Regular check-ins allow you to evaluate your progress and course-correct when necessary.
DON’T LET FEAR HOLD YOU BACK
If you’re not making the progress you’d like, take a look at what’s holding you back. Are you hesitant because your goal or approach is unreasonable, or are you reticent because of a deep-seated fear of failure? Finding the source of your hesitation is critical, since overcoming our fears is pivotal to goal mastery as well as personal and professional development.
CELEBRATE EVERY WIN
When you celebrate wins – even the small ones – your brain gets a boost of dopamine that reenergizes and refocuses you. If you’re working on professional SMART goals, celebrate small wins with your team. Not only will this help you to continue to press forward but it will also inspire your team to do the same. Personal successes? Celebrate with your friends or family. After you’ve celebrated, get right back on track so you can work toward celebrating the next win.
