Smart Goal Setting Method
What is the SMART goal setting method? Read on and find out.
Goals give you three distinct advantages, which help you succeed. First, they keep you on track. Second, they let you know when and what to celebrate. Third, they give you a focused plan to work with. If nothing else, goals let others know what they have to aim for to keep up with your standards. In setting goals, keep in mind the following guidelines: Your goal must be conceivable, believable, and achievable. It should be consistent with your personal values system, and you must believe that you can reach the goal. You must have the mental and physical capacity to reach the goal, too. That is why goals must be SMART – specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound.
Specific – You are more likely to follow through on a specific goal than a general goal because it is clearly defined. Specific goal setting helps you to focus clearly on exactly what you want to accomplish and how you will do it. Measurable – If a goal is measurable, then you will know exactly when you have accomplished that goal. Establishing specific criteria for reaching a goal allows you to determine how close you are to reaching that goal and be motivated by your own progress.
Attainable – Set goals that are proportionate to your capabilities and resources, and those that are within your control. If you set goals that are outside of your control you are just setting yourself up for failure. Realistic – Your goals should be just out of reach, but not out of sight. You want to stretch to be your best, not strain after impossible dreams. Time-bound – Deadlines help you to determine how much time you have left to achieve a goal and prevent you from procrastinating.
When you practice the SMART goal setting method, you’ll have an easier time staying on track with your personal life goals.