10 Step Method to Setting Goals and Achieving Your Goals

Achieve your goals by applying the S.M.A.R.T strategy method

 This is a common method from the business world that is also very applicable to individuals looking to achieve their goals.  A “S.M.A.R.T.” goal is one that is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and has Timely expectations.

SPECIFIC: Goals should be straightforward and emphasize what you want to happen. Being specific helps us to focus our efforts and clearly define what we are going to do. It’s the “What, Why, and How” of our goals.

• WHAT are you going to do? Use action words such as direct, organize, coordinate, lead, develop, plan, 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. Instead of setting a goal to lose weight or be healthier, set a specific goal to lose 5 lbs or perhaps complete a 5K race.

MEASURABLE: If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it. In the broadest sense, the whole goal statement is a measure for the project; if the goal is accomplished, there is success. However, there should be several benchmarks that can be tracked while working towards the ultimate goal. Choose a goal with measurable progress, so you can see the change occur.

Running your first 5k or 10K race in 8 weeks is a goal. Stating “I want to be able to run a mile in 9 minutes in 4 weeks” shows the specific benchmark to be measured. “I want to run” is not as measurable.

Establish concrete criteria for measuring progress toward the attainment of each goal you set. When you measure your progress, you stay on track, reach your target dates, and experience the sense of accomplishment that will help motivate you towards continued effort required to reach your goals.

ATTAINABLE: When you identify goals that are most important to you, you begin to figure out ways you can make them come true. You develop that 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. Goals that are too far out of your reach will be difficult to commit to over time, and will only frustrate you.  A goal needs to stretch you slightly but not break you.

For example, trying to lose 15 lbs in one week is not achievable (nor healthy to attempt), but setting a goal to lose 1lb a week until you’ve lost 15 lbs is attainable. The feeling of success with each pound will keep you motivated.

REALISTIC: Realistic does not mean “easy”, but “do-able.” It means that the goal needs to be within the skills and talents within you, but will also push and challenge you towards achievementYou must have a proper strategy and a plan of attack, while also being realistic for you and where you are at the moment to accomplish your goals. Be sure to set goals that you can attain with some effort. Goals that are too difficult will set the stage for failure, but too easy will get you nowhere. Set the bar high enough for a feeling of accomplishment when you achieve your goal.

TIMELY: Set a timeframe for the goal: for next week, in three months, in one year, in five years. Putting an end point on your goal gives you a clear target to work towards.If you don’t set a time, the commitment will be too vague, and it will be too easy to procrastinate because you feel you can start at any time. Without a time limit, there’s no urgency to start taking action now. The time goal must be measurable, attainable and realistic.

**By applying this simple guideline of making S.M.A.R.T. goals, you have a powerful foundation in achieving your goals.