S.M.A.R.T Goals
# Set, Achieve, Repeat
So you are ready to make a change, set a goal and achieve a dream, but how do you get started? You may have heard about setting SMART Goals. So what is a SMART Goal? S.M.A.R.T is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. It's an easy way to “organize” and set your goal(s).
Let's Break It Down:
The S.M.A.R.T acronym stands for:
S – Specific
Get specific about what you want to accomplish. This isn’t necessarily a detailed list of how you’re going to achieve your goal, but can take the following into consideration:
Who – Consider who needs to be involved to achieve the goal
What – What you are trying to accomplish.
Where – Is there a specific place involved with your end goal or your journey?
Why – What is the reason for the goal? What will achieving this goal do for you?
M – Measurable
How are you going to know If you are making progress toward your goal or if you meet the goal? Measurable progress can make your goal real and attainable. If it’s a journey that is going to take time to complete, then set some milestones to help keep you on track. Milestone checkpoints are a great way to gauge how you are doing.
A – Achievable
How important your goal is to you and what are you going to do to make it attainable? Note: This may require developing new skills and changing attitudes or beliefs. Think about how to accomplish the goal and if you have the tools/skills needed. If you don’t currently possess those tools/skills or even resources, consider what it would take to attain them.
R – Relevant
Is your goal a step toward your bigger/ broader goal(s)? How does achieving your specific goal relate to what you are trying to achieve?
T – Timely
Anyone can set goals, but if it lacks realistic timing, chances are you’re not going to succeed. Providing a target date is a must. Ask yourself specific questions about the goal deadline and what can be accomplished within that time period.Remember to keep in mind your milestone checkpoints that you created in the measurable category. Providing time deadlines can help keep you on track, just like the measurable milestones you create.
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Creating S.M.A.R.T Goals doesn’t have to be a hard or daunting task, I have many clients who say “I don't even know how or where to start”. Below is an easy helpful chart to help you organize your thoughts and steps toward your goal. You don't need anything fancy, just a piece of paper and start asking yourself questions.
Chances are you already know what you want and you probably already have a pretty good idea as to what it takes to get there and what is holding you back or the obstacles you are going to face (or already faced). Be honest with yourself and if you need some assistance, it's ok to reach out to support.
Sample S.M.A,R,T Goal Worksheet/Guide
| Goal | Write out what goal you want to achieve |
| S - Specific |
|
| M - Measurable | How can/are you going to measure the progress toward achieving your goal? |
| A - Achievable | Don't set yourself up for failure before getting started. ASk yourself "do I have the skills or resources needed for me to achieve my goal"? Also take into consideration your motivation level and commitment to working toward your goal. |
| R - Relevant | Ask yourself "why", why are setting this goal and does it align with your bigger goal? |
| T - Timely | Make a realistic timeline or deadline for your goal. You may not know what a realistic timeframe would be for your goal or mini goals, do your best to estimate and if when you start out you find out more information, asjustments can be made as and where needed. |
|
Get Going! |
Ready Set, Go! What is the first thing you need to do to get going toward your goal. You have a plan and now action needs to happen. |
If you aim for nothing, you'll hit it every time