Smart Goals are: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-Bound.
Goal setting that separates amateurs from professionals.
Do you want to become a pro at accomplishing your goals and tackling your to-do list? Of course, the answer is yes…
Then, why do we fail at the goals we normally set? It’s not surprising that many people don’t realize their goals. But why? The simple answer is that their goals are not S.M.A.R.T. Smart goals allow you to increase the probability that you will be successful in attaining your goals.
Examples of “dumb” goals:
I will quit smoking
I will take better care of myself
I will work less
I will exercise more
Example of S.M.A.R.T. Goals
Before: “I will exercise more”
After: “I will go to the gym 2x a week for a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise.”
Specific: I will go to the gym. Yes, this is specific.
Measurable: 2x Per Week for 30 minutes. Yes, this is measurable.
Attainable: Do I think I’ll be able to make it to the gym twice a week? Can I handle 30 minutes of exercise? Yes, I can do that.
Relevant: My “dumb” goal was “Excercise More”. I want to get in better shape. Yes, this is relevant to me.
Time-Bound: 30 minutes of exercise 2x a week. Yes, this is time-bound.
Without anything clear and quantifiable it’s no wonder people flake out on themselves and their goals. Remember, you’re your best asset.
Focus on investing in yourself and your goals because, at the end of the day, it’s going to be You vs. You. Every time.
We can blame others, blame circumstances, but when the rubber hits the road, or your head hits the pillow, it’s all on you.
Everything else is an excuse or a reality. If it’s a reality and you’re complaining about it, well that’s called an excuse.
There is no shortage of good excuses. There is a shortage in self-direction. Why? It’s hard. Being your own motivator is difficult, that is why I highly recommend getting an accountability partner, that can help motivate you to get moving when all you want to do is stand still. No one can do it for you. You can make it much easier by setting yourself up for success with the appropriate goal setting.
I am one of the many people who has flaked on a goal, sometimes not even hours into it. *cough* Quitting Starbucks. I swear I had a latte in my hand not even an hour after I swore them off forever.
It’s normal. Failure is normal. Repeating failed behaviors is normal. You’re not here to be completely normal. You’re here to be exceptional.
Instead of doing the “normal” thing this new year. Which is making a list of high-level ideals you’d like to attain AKA “goals” then never accomplishing them.
Let’s try something different this year.
Let’s pick a SMART goal for each of these categories:
I’ve included some examples for you to use as a template.
Personal/Relationships:
dumb goal: “I want to spend more time with my family”
smart goal: “I will be home by 6PM once a week for family dinner” (if possible pick a specific day to do this and add it to your Google Calendar and just do it)
Health:
dumb goal: “I will exercise more”
smart goal: “I will go to the gym 2x a week for a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise.”
Finance:
dumb goal: “I want to save more money”
smart goal: “I will go through my budget and find 5 items I can cut from my monthly spending. By the second month, I will cut items until I have reached $100/mo. The money I save will be direct deposited weekly into my emergency fund”
Professional:
dumb goal: “I am going to get that promotion I deserve”
smart goal: “I am going to take a certification course in direct response copywriting, that starts this month. I will present my boss with my portfolio of work, accomplishments, and new certification. I will complete the certification in 3 months and will present my promotion proposal to my boss by month 4. I will outline my major accomplishments, how I have specifically benefitted the company, and how I am committed to staying relevant in my field (evidenced by my continuing education).
