Reach Your Goals Using the SMART Method

How do you set goals and where to start? In this article, we will cover the SMART approach in setting goals and how to achieve them.

SELF DEVELOPMENT

Donna Barasi

1/2/20223 min read

New year, new life, new goals, new plans. Sounds familiar? Are you one of those who try to create a new year's resolution but never stick to it? Are you overwhelmed with all the things happening right now and just wish to live each day as it comes? How about changing it this year and committing to a goal?

The question is – how do you set your goals? Where do you start?

When setting goals, be sure to adopt a SMART approach. This will help you can gain clarity on what you want to accomplish, how much time you need, how to accomplish the goal, and why you want to accomplish it. Use this tool to set clear, meaningful, and attainable goals.

SMART Goals:

S - Specific

Specific goals are clear and detailed and should be able to answer the “W” questions like:

  • What do I want to accomplish?

  • Why do I want to achieve this?

  • Who is involved?

  • Where should it take place?

  • When will I accomplish it?

  • Which resources do I need?

M – Measurable

You should have a way to measure your progress so you can keep track of your goals. Ask these questions to find out:

  • How will I know when I have accomplished my goals?

  • How much time/resources do I need?

  • How can I track my progress on a daily basis?

A – Attainable

Your goals should be realistic and achievable. Ask yourself these questions:

  • How can I achieve my goals?

  • What are the resources/skills I need to achieve my goals?

  • What would it take to achieve my goals?

R – Relevant

Set goals that align with your core values. Understand its relevance and importance for you to achieve them. Ask yourself these:

  • How does this align with my objectives in life?

  • Why is the result important?

  • How will this create a positive impact on my life?

T – Time-bound/Timely

To stay on track, goals should have a deadline. This will allow you to stay focused on what you need to do within a specific timeframe. This will also make you feel more compelled to accomplish your goals. Questions you should be answering are:

  • When is the deadline to accomplish my goals?

  • What should I do daily to achieve my goals within the time frame I set?

Using the SMART approach will help you set a well-defined goal.

As Denis Waitley, The Psychology of Winning, say:

“The reason most people never reach their goals is that they don’t define them, or ever seriously consider them as believable or achievable.”

The next thing to do is identify your goals according to the following categories:

1.       Financial/economic goals – What is your target income for the year? How much savings/investment do you want to start? This plays a major part in reaching your goal.

2.       Personal development goals – What areas do you want to improve on? What new skills do you want to learn? What habits do you want to change?

3.       Things you want to do – List all the other things you want to do, how big or small it is, and check them off as you achieve them.

Based on your list, divide your goals into long-range and short-range goals. The long-range goals are 5-10 years and will help you keep going. The short-range goals are your confidence builder, and you can reach them within days to a year. Categorizing your goals would allow you to focus and focus on what is more important.

Set a timeline for each goal you have listed then break it down per year, per month, per week, or per day. Breaking it down will make it more palatable and more achievable.

When you have several goals listed, give each a priority. This will help you manage your goals and focus your attention on the most important goals you have.

Finally, celebrate! Celebrate with your family, friends, or colleagues once you have accomplished a goal. Before you embark on a new journey, make another list. Make the new list a replacement for your old one.

"The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high, and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it." - Michelangelo

Check this planner* out and create and monitor your SMART goals.

*Note that I will be compensated for the sales of the planner promoted in this article.