“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” –Tony Robbins

 

Continuing from our last post about goals, some goals are more effective than others.

When setting out to create effective goals, there are several factors to consider. Using the S.M.A.R.T Goals Guide is an easy way to remember these factors. Originally coined by George Doran, SMART-goals stand for goals that are:

Specific

Measurable

Achievable

Results-Focused/Relevant

Time-bound

First, create goals that are SPECIFIC. A specific goal has a much better chance of getting accomplished than a general goal. In order to create a specific goal, you must answer questions like:

• What exactly do I want to accomplish?
• What specific and defined steps will I take to accomplish this goal?

Second, create goals that are MEASURABLE. A measurable goal gives you something tangible to reach for. In order to create a measurable goal, you must identify specific indicators to signify when you have reached your goal.

Third, create goals that are ACHIEVABLE. As you set your goals, you must be honest with yourself. While we encourage you to reach for greater things and big accomplishments, you must make sure that your goals challenge you without defeating you. As you create your goals, consider these questions:

• Is it possible?
• Have others done it successfully?
• Do I have the knowledge, skills, abilities, and resources needed to accomplish it? If not, is there a way for me to obtain what I need?

Fourth, create goals that are RESULTS-FOCUSED. A results-focused goal allows you to pinpoint “reason” and “relevance”. Consider these questions:

• What is the reason, purpose, or benefit of this goal?
• What is the end result of this goal?
• Does this goal line up with the overall purpose of what I’m attempting to accomplish?

Fifth, create goals that are TIME-BOUND. Without a time frame, your goal has no sense of urgency. The goals you set should have predetermined time frames to help push you along.

When you are creating SMART-goals here are some excellent questions to ask yourself.

• Why do I want to achieve the goal?
• What specific action will I take to achieve the goal?
• What am I willing to give up to achieve the goal?
• Are there resources (people, books, classes, etc.) that can help me achieve this goal?
• What will my future be like if/when I achieve the goal?

Once you have thought about these questions and narrowed down your goal, write your goal down and share it with a friend. Go even further and create a SMART-goal statement. An example of a SMART-goal statement might look something like this: “My goal is to [quantifiable objective] by [timeframe or deadline]. I will accomplish this goal by [what steps you’ll take to achieve the goal]. Accomplishing this goal will [result or benefit].”

Creating SMART-goals for your short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals increases the likelihood of accomplishing them. So give it a shot. We can’t wait to see your success!

“If you aim for nothing, you’ll hit it every time.” –Unknown

 

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