The SMART Approach to Goal Setting

August 8, 2017,  Exercise, Life, Relationship, Relationship Tips  No comments

By saying “SMART” I mean all the things that involve a goal to be achieved. Because it is not enough just to want something and to set is as a goal. In order to achieve it there is a list of steps that need to be followed and worked on. In this context SMART is an acronym for all the things that make a goal great.

For a goal to be great it needs to be:

Specific

First it needs to be clear and formulated the best possible way so you know where you’re headed to. It needs to include as many specific details as possible:

• What you want?
• Why you want it?
• Who is involved besides yourself?
• Where it’s going to happen?

Measurable

Every goal has its price. Therefore, it needs to be clear what you want to get and what you are willing to give to have it.

• How much?
• How many?

Achievable

We often set goals that we aren’t really sure are achievable. But they seem great anyway.  The goal really has to be within your reach.  You also need to consider whether you have or can acquire the skills to achieve the goal.

• What are the steps I need to take to ensure I have the skills to accomplish my goal?

Realistic

Your goal must be possible. It must be something you want for yourself, not to please anyone else.

• Is this goal worthwhile?
• Is this the right time to pursue it?
• Am I setting this goal because I want it, or am I doing it to please someone else?

Time-based

Like with everything we start, at the beginning, when the idea is born, it seems easy.  Later on, we start to work for it and things seen a bit harder and sometimes even impossible, as we go further.

But as they say every journey begins with the first step and then the next one and then the next one.  To achieve a goal, you need an action plan with a specific timetable. It sets dates for all the short, medium, and long-term tasks that need to be fulfilled to acquire the goal. The goal timeline can be set backwards on a calendar. First it needs to start with an end date for the achievement of the goal that you are focusing on. Then think about what needs to happen immediately before that goal to get you there. Then think about what needs to happen immediately before that and so on all the way back to now. Mark the dates on your calendar that each step needs to be achieved by to get you closer to the ultimate goal.

These smaller goals also become goals in themselves which may need further refinement. The achievement of each of these smaller goals will get you that much closer to the big goal.

The journey for everyone is very specific and personal and we all have our ups and downs when going after our dreams and goals, but the most important thing is to believe you can do it and logically set the best possible steps and follow them.

Good luck in setting and in achieving your goals and remember if you need some help in setting, planning or motivating yourself to go after what you truly deserve I’m only a phone call away.

To the wonder of you,

Please follow and like us: