SMART Goal setting is a technique that you can use to get closer to your goals and dreams. Setting goals is one of the most important things you can do to reach your goals. It’s fundamental to being successful.
Are you being SMART about goal setting?
If you are, I applaud you. You are well on your way. However, if you’re not, that’s okay. It’s never too late to start. Perhaps you’re someone who tries to “list” all their goals and steps to take in your mind so you don’t have to write it down. Yeah, this approach doesn’t work so well. I’ve been here and done this.
Let’s try a new and different approach. Just follow me here for a minute. What do you have to lose?
In order to get to where you want to go, you need a plan. Setting SMART goals is like a road map. It’s your GPS to getting you from where you are to where you want to go. You wouldn’t go on a road trip to a new destination without your map or your GPS would you? When you take the time to write down your goals, it’s like having a visual map in front of you. Setting SMART goals helps you determine your priorities, gets you organized, and helps you make important decisions to help you realize your dreams.
Your goals are your vision to get to where you want to be. Take a moment and write down your dreams and desires. When you write them down, it makes them goal oriented. Make sure they’re specific. Write the vision for yourself so strong, that you will want to make sure it happens for you.
Every goal should have five (5) components to qualify them as a SMART goal. Make sure your goals are:
- S – Specific. Your goals need to be specific and detailed as possible. Be specific in what you want. Here’s an example. Don’t just say you want a car. What kind of car do you want? What color is it? Is it new or used? The more specific you are, the more likely you are to achieve the goal.
- M – Measurable. How will you know when you have reached your goal? What will you have to measure your goal by?
- A – Achievable. Is accomplishing your goal realistic with your efforts and commitment? Do you have all of your resources to reach your goals? “A” could also mean Assignable. Who will this goal be assigned to? For your goals, they will be assigned to you.
- R – Realistic. Is your goal realistic for you to reach or is it way out of the box? Are you able to realistically reach your goal in the assigned time frame? “R” could also mean Results Oriented. You should ask yourself why is this goal significant to your life.
- T – Time Frame. When do you expect to accomplish your goal?
Now that you have your goals defined and written down, it’s time to review your list and see if there is anything you can break down into more manageable steps. In other words, is there any part of your goal that needs to be broken down into smaller tasks? If so, take the time to break it down.
When setting your goals keep in mind that you may come across obstacles and you may need additional time to complete each task. Give yourself a reasonable amount of time to
complete your goals so you don’t add any unnecessary pressure on yourself. If you don’t reach your goal in the time desired, please do not get upset or discouraged. As long as you are making progress toward your goal, that in itself is a great accomplishment. Remember, small successes are achievements too.
Setting goals could be a challenge for you. Believe it or not, at one time, it was for me too. Imagine for a moment, finally having the dream that you want for yourself. Feels good, doesn’t it? Good. Now it’s time to take action. Click here to schedule your FREE 20 Minute Breakthrough Coaching Session to see how I can help you set the goals you need to get to your dream and live the life you’ve always wanted.
Hi there! It’s nice to meet you! I’m a successful single mama, mental health advocate, sports fan, blogger and all around fun person helping other overwhelmed and stressed women entrepreneurs to get hope, have faith and be inspired to push through their depression and anxiety so they too can live the life of their dreams. Say hello! I would love to meet you! 🙂
