We often underestimate the importance of setting goals, but they are needed to see where we want to be in a specific amount of time. Everyone should consistently set goals, challenging yourself more and more as you accomplish more things. No matter how successful you are, you can always move up in the world either personally or professionally!
The most popular way to set goals is to set SMART goals. Some people believe that it’s boring and tedious, but I think that it’s the most effective way to set a goal and stick with it! Here’s what it means to set a SMART goal:
Specific: Your goals should clearly define what you want to achieve and how you will achieve them.
Example: I want to lose 100 pounds in 2019 by using my workout DVD’s every day and jogging every Saturday morning.
Measurable: You need to be able to track the progress of your goals.
Example: By March 2019, I want to lose 50 pounds. By June 2019, I want to lose another 30 pounds. By August 2019, I want to lose the remaining 20 pounds.
Achievable/Attainable: Set goals that are challenging, not impossible! Ask yourself if this goal is realistic.
Example: Maybe losing 100 pounds isn’t realistic for my lifestyle. Instead, I want to lose a total of 50 pounds in 2019. By March 2019, I want to lose 20 pounds. By June 2019, I want to lose another 20 pounds. By August 2019, I want to lose the remaining 10 pounds.
Relevant: Ask yourself why you want to go after this goal. Why is this goal worth your time?
Example: I want to lose 50 pounds because I want to take better care of my health and be more active.
Timely: Is now the right time to go for this goal? When do you want to have this goal achieved by? Is this a short-term goal or a long-term goal?
Example: I want to lose 50 pounds by the end of August 2019.
SMART GOAL: By using my workout DVD’s at home every day and jogging every Saturday morning, I am going to lose 50 pounds by the end of August 2019 so that I can be healthier and be more active. To measure my progress, I am going to lose 20lbs by March 2019, lose another 20lbs by June 2019, and lose the last 10lbs by August 2019.
I challenge you to create a SMART goal of your very own today! After you’ve given it some thought, write down your SMART goal and put it in a place where you will see it every single day. You can put it on a post-it note and stick it on your computer, place it on your mirror at home, or set a reminder in your phone that will remind you every day!
The last step is to tell someone you trust what your SMART goal is, and ask them to hold you accountable for your progress! Have them stay on you about your progress, and more importantly, don’t get mad at them for doing it. Understand that they are only trying to help!
Remember, you can do this!
“The real value of setting goals is not the recognition or reward, it’s the person we become by finding the discipline, courage, and commitment to achieve them.” – Cat Smiley
Great advice!