Moving ahead... Setting Smart Goals 1

With the end of 2012 and the beginning of 2013, a lot of reviewing, assessing, reassessment and planning is taking place on many levels and in different aspects of life. Some will define this process as Goal Setting while others will call it a New Year Resolution. It doesn't really matter what name you choose, what is important is in how these goals/resolutions are set, written and positioned to be achievable!

Most people are familiar and have used the 'SMART GOALS' principle for goal setting especially at work without applying same in setting their personal goals. 

So please don't stop reading because you already know 'what this is about'. Many of us maybe 'knowledgeably' grounded in this principle. Not with standing, there is no harm getting a ‘refresher’ course or nudge. Who knows who comes in search of knowledge? 

  

S.M.A.R.T in goal setting is used as an acronym for SPECIFIC, MEASURABLE, ATTAINABLE (ACHIEVABLE), REALISTIC (RELEVANT) and TIME BOUND.

S - A specific goal has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general goal.To set a specific goal, it is advised that you answer the six “W” questions:

Who is involved? (WHO)

What do I want to accomplish? (WHAT)

Identify a location. (WHERE)

Establish a time frame. (WHEN)

Identify requirements and constraints. (WHICH)

Specify reasons, purpose or benefits of accomplishing the goal. (WHY)

M - 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 exhilaration of achievement that spurs you on to continued effort required to reach your goal.

To determine if your goal is measurable, ask questions such as

How much? How many?

How will I know when it is accomplished?

A - When you identify goals that are most important to you, you need to figure out ways you can make them come true. You develop the attitudes, abilities, skills, and financial capacity to reach them. You start seeing previously overlooked opportunities to bring yourself closer to the achievement of your goals.

You can achieve almost any goal you set when you plan your steps wisely and establish a time frame that allows you to carry out those steps. Goals that may have seemed far away and out of reach will become more attainable. By listing your goals you build your self-image. You see yourself as worthy of these goals, and develop the traits and personality that allow you to possess them.

R - Your goal(s) must represent an objective toward which you are willing and able to work at. A goal can be both high and realistic; you are the only one who can decide just how high your goal should be. But be sure that every goal represents substantial progress.

T - Your goal(s) should be set within a time frame. If no time frame is tied to your goals there will be little or no sense of urgency or commitment to the goal. If you want to lose X lbs, when do you want to lose it by? “Someday” doesn't work. But if you anchor it within a time frame “by May 1^st 2013”, then you've set your unconscious mind into motion to begin working on the goal.

Your goal(s) become realistic if you truly believe that it can be accomplished.

T can also stand for Tangible - a goal is tangible when you can experience it with one of the senses, that is, taste, touch, smell, sight or hearing. When your goal is tangible you have a better chance of making it specific and measurable and thus attainable.

Great! If you read to this point, this may be an indication that your subconscious mind is urging you to get out that notepad, grab a pen, pull out your iPad or whatever device you have handy for taking notes and start putting those thoughts, plans, goals/resolution on paper if you haven't already done so. 

I began putting my thoughts, plans and goals for the year 2013 down on paper in the last week of 2012 and by this post; I am achieving some of the goals I have set for the year :) 

In 2013, don't leave your life to chance. Do something different NOW to ensure you achieve your goals, improve yourself and attain SUCCESS! 

SPICY Chrysalis Coaching Services can be reached by email – 

spicychrysalis@gmail.com 

SPICY - Speak. Positively. to Inspire. and Cause. to Yield!