Lesson 12. S.M.A.R.T. GOAL SETTING

S.M.A.R.T. Goal Setting

The goals you set should be

S = Specific goals

M = Measurable goals

A = Attainable goals

R = Realistic goals

T = Timely goals

Specific Goals

Specific Goals should be straightforward and emphasise what you want to happen.

What do you really want? Sit down and write down everything you want to do or have in your life and place a dollar sign next to each one of them. Don’t make anything wrong or let cost factors, or your inability to afford them, get in the way.

Specifics help you focus your efforts and clearly define what you are going to do.

S.M.A.R.T. model specifics are the What, Why, and How

– WHAT are you going to do? Use action words such as direct, organise, coordinate, lead, develop, plan, build etc.

– WHY is this important to do at this time? What do you want to ultimately accomplish?

– HOW are you going to do it? Ensure the goals you set are very specific, clear and easy.

Measurable Goals

If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it. Figure out how you’re going to measure success, happiness, giving to others and nurturing yourself.

Attainable Goals

When you identify goals that are most important to you, you begin to figure out ways you can make them come true. You develop the attitudes, abilities, skills, and financial capacity to reach them. You begin seeing previously overlooked opportunities to bring yourself closer to the achievement of your goals.

A goal needs to stretch you slightly, so that you feel you can do it and it will need a real commitment from you. The feeling of success that this brings, helps you remain motivated.

Realistic Goals

Realistic is not a synonym for ‘easy.’ Realistic, in this case, means

‘do-able.’

Your goal needs to be realistic for you and where you are at the moment. It means that the learning curve is not a vertical slope and that you have the skills you need to do the work to attain your goals. A realistic project is one that may push your skills and knowledge, but but it shouldn’t break you.

A goal of never again eating sweets, cakes, crisps or chocolate may not be realistic for someone who really enjoys these foods. Set the bar high enough for a satisfying achievement!

Timely Goals

Set a time frame for the goal, such as: for next week, in three months time, in a year.

Deciding an end point to your goal gives you a clear target to work towards. If you don’t set a time frame, your commitment is too vague. It tends not to happen because you feel that you can start at any time. Without a time limit, there’s no urgency to start taking action now.