Let’s Get SMART
Setting goals can be a valuable tool to support ourselves in reaching what we strive for if used in a healthy way that is aligned to our values. Begin by thinking about what is important to you and your current state of wellbeing then see how it connects to your values.
SMART Goal Setting
Specific: What Exactly Will You Accomplish?
Measurable: How Will You Know When You Have Reached this Goal?
Achievable: Is Achieving this Goal Realistic with Effort and Commitment? Do You Have the Resources to Achieve this Goal? If not, How Will You Obtain Them?
Relevant: Would this Goal Be Within Your Power? Is it Significant to Your Life?
Time-Specific: When Will You Achieve this Goal? How Could You Set Time Aside for this?
Breaking it Down
Specific:
The "S" in SMART stands for Specific, and it emphasizes the need for clarity when setting your goals. Vague or general goals are often difficult to work towards because they lack focus. To make your goals specific, answer the following questions:
What do you want to accomplish?
Why is this goal important to you?
Who is involved?
Where will it happen?
What are the constraints or limitations?
For example, instead of setting a vague goal like "I want to get in shape," you could specify it as "I want to lose 10 pounds in three months by going to the gym three times a week and eating a balanced diet."
Measurable:
The "M" in SMART stands for Measurable, indicating that your goals should be quantifiable. Measurable goals allow you to track your progress and determine when you have successfully achieved them. To make your goals measurable, ask yourself:
How will you measure your progress?
What are the indicators of success?
How much or how many?
Measuring progress provides motivation and a sense of accomplishment. If you want to save money, a measurable goal could be "I will save $500 per month for a year to create an emergency fund."
Achievable:
Achievability is the "A" in SMART, which emphasizes setting goals that are realistic and attainable. While it's essential to challenge yourself, setting goals that are too far out of reach can lead to frustration and demotivation. To make your goals achievable, consider:
Is the goal within your control?
Do you have the necessary skills and resources?
Is it possible given your current circumstances?
For instance, if you're interested in learning a new language, setting a goal to become fluent in a month might not be achievable. A more realistic goal could be "I will dedicate 30 minutes to language practice every day and aim to have basic conversational skills in six months."
Relevant
The "R" in SMART stands for Relevant, highlighting the importance of setting goals that align with your values, priorities, and long-term objectives. Your goals should contribute to your overall growth and well-being. To ensure your goals are relevant, ask yourself:
Does this goal make sense in the context of my life?
Does it support my long-term vision?
Is it the right time to pursue this goal?
If you're pursuing a career in marketing, a relevant goal might be "I will complete a digital marketing certification to enhance my skills and advance in my current role."
Time-Specific:
The final letter "T" in SMART represents Time-specific, indicating that goals should have a clear timeframe. Setting deadlines helps prevent procrastination and keeps you focused. To make your goals time-specifc, consider:
When will you start working on the goal?
When do you plan to achieve it?
Are there any interim deadlines or milestones?
For instance, if you aim to write a novel, you could set a time-specific goal like "I will start writing the first chapter by next week and complete the entire novel within one year."
Try It Out
By making your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, you can turn your dreams into concrete plans. Remember that goals are not set in stone, and you can adjust them as needed to accommodate changes in your life or priorities. With SMART goals as your guide, you'll be better equipped to track your progress, stay motivated, and ultimately reach your full potential. So, start setting SMART goals today and watch your aspirations turn into reality. What might be some goals you would like to pursue next?