Setting Goals is the First Step to Achieving them

Learning how to set realistic goals and follow through with them is a big part of personal and work success. Whether you hope to change careers, receive a promotion, go back to school, or make other life changes, having clear goals and a road map for reaching them will help you succeed. The SMART goal model described here will help you think through and evaluate your goals. This process is used in the business world, but you can use it to develop goals in both your personal and work life.

SMART stands for:

1. Specific. When setting a goal, be sure it is well-defined, clearly worded in a positive statement, and narrow enough to use as a guide. For example, a goal like “I’m going to spend less this year” isn’t positive or specific enough. “I’m going to pay off my credit card debt in one year” is both a positive and specific goal. If your goal is to lose weight, saying “I’m going to lose weight” is too vague. How much? By when? Be specific. “My goal is to lose 10 pounds by July.”
2. Measurable. Your goal should be specific and measurable so that you’re able to track your progress. If your goal is to pay down your credit card debt, your measurable goal might be: “I’m going to save $60 a month by making my lunch instead of buying it at work, and put that money toward paying down my credit card debt. In 6 months it will be cut in half.”
3. Action-oriented. You are more likely to achieve your goal if it includes steps and actions you will take. “Complete application to school by December 1” is an action-oriented goal, as opposed to a goal with no action steps, such as “This year I plan to learn new skills.”
4. Realistic. Goals motivate us to grow and challenge ourselves. But, they need to be attainable and realistic to work. “I will become fluent in Spanish by next summer” is an ambitious goal, but it may not be realistic if you don’t speak a word of Spanish. A more realistic goal might be to have completed your first course in Spanish six months from now.
5. Time-limited. Goals work best when there is a deadline or time limit. Without a time limit there’s no point at which the goal can be said to have been reached or not. Setting a timeframe gives you a clear target, helps you stay focused, and helps you measure your progress.

Finally, it’s crucial to write down your goals, action steps, measures, and timeframes — on your computer, smartphone, or in a hard copy notebook or journal. Refer to your plan often as you map out action steps, and work toward your goal. That’s your road map. It can also be your inspiration.

 

Listen to the Podcasts:

Setting Goals as a Leader –

Setting Goals For Happiness –