The Art Of Setting Smart Goals

Everyone has goals, but most people never achieve them. Why? Because they’re really just wishes. In order to be achievable a goal has to be SMART.

Definition

Specific Write down exactly what you’re trying to accomplish. “To be healthy” is not specific, “loose 10kg” is.

Measurable You need to be able to track your progress.

Attainable Your goal needs to be realistic. Grow 20cm might be possible when you are young, but in your 30s it’s not going to happen.

Relevant The goal needs to be relevant to you and your situation. Traveling the world would be nice, but if you’ve just become a parent that won’t be possible.

Timely Your goal needs a deadline.You don’t want to get a promotion at some point, you want to get a promotion in 6 months.

Actually doing it

You should have short-term and long-term goals. Short-term means goals that are achievable within 3-6 months. Long-term goals have a horizon of 3-5 years.

Your long-term goals are there to guide you, the short-term goals are the specific steps you take to go towards them.

Once you have your goals written down you should prioritise them. Which goal is the most important to you? Which the least important?

Then create a vision board. How will your life be different when you achieve your goal? What will it look like? Find pictures that represent your vision and look at them regularly.

Find your why. No one will motivate you, but you. Make sure the goal is something you want. What ever you come up with, ask why five times. This will ensure you really go to the fundamental reason.