S.M.A.R.T Goal Setting: 101
January is a popular month for creating new goals and setting new resolutions. The New Year can bring all types of new resolutions, but the truth is, many of our resolutions and goals are similar. So why can some people achieve their goals more consistently than others? While there are a variety of reasons, one thing I have discovered is that making S.M.A.R.T goals will significantly increase your chances of achieving your goals.
In this issue, I am going to share a little more about S.M.A.R.T goals and share a few of my favorite tips on how you can achieve them. What S.M.A.R.T goal will you be setting in 2019?
Before diving into goal setting 101, I’ll first clarify that S.M.A.R.T. is an acronym for S - Specific M - Measurable A - Attainable R- Rewarding T - Timely Here are a few tips on how you can implement S.M.A.R.T. goals this year! 1. Be Specific Get clear on exactly what you want to achieve. The more specific you are, the greater the chance of actually reaching the goals. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself as you try to get clear on your goals:
What do I want to achieve?
Why is this goal important to me?
Is this goal realistic?
Who will support me in achieving this goal?
What do I need to prepare for success so I can achieve this goal?
How will I achieve this goal?
When will I work on achieving this goal?
2. Make It Measurable After you have gotten clear on what you are working on, the next step is to make it measurable. S.M.A.R.T. goals will have a system and plan for tracking progress and checking in with yourself if you are on track to achieve the goal you set. How can you break down your goal into something measurable? Numbers are easy to track as you can monitor the change, however, what if your goal is beyond a number? Keeping a journal to track and monitor habits can be a great way to measure and monitor your progress. 3. Is it Attainable? Before going any further, make sure the goal you are setting is actually attainable. It is important that you really look into and prepare for the amount of time, effort and other costs that your goal may require. All goals take a commitment and to ensure your success it is essential to answer the question “Is my goal attainable?” 4. Does the Reward Motivate Me? When creating your goals, make sure the goals you set are important to YOU and the reward from working towards the goal is motivating to you. Be honest with yourself and avoid setting a goal just to make other people happy. 5. Set a Timeline The final step in creating S.M.A.R.T goals is to create a timeline of when and how you will achieve this goal. Create a plan and make a deadline. Make sure it is realistic, flexible and attainable, but also have a deadline. Your deadline will help you stay focused and on a task in achieving that goal!
Smart Goals In Action - Real Life Example
Specific: Example of a SMART goal: I will drink 64 ounces of water a day How will I do it?
What do I want to achieve? Increase my water intake
Why is this goal important to me? Increase hydration levels, improve the health of my skin, weight management, energy.
Is this goal realistic? Yes
Who will support me in achieving this goal? I will share my goal with my family and co-workers.
What do I need to prepare for success so I can achieve this goal? Easy access to water.
How will I achieve this goal? I will drink 4-16 ounce water bottles throughout the day.
When will I work on achieving this goal? I will make sure to drink at least 16 ounces of water every 3 - 4 hours.
Measurable: How will I measure it? I will use my water bottle that is already 16 ounces. Attainable: Yes, I just need to prepare and ensure my water bottle is filled. Rewarding: Is the reward motivating enough? Yes, improved energy and clearer skin are very motivating. Timeline: How will I measure progress? Using a journal, I will track my water intake for three months. I will also include before and after pictures to see if I have been rewarded with clearer skin.
Now if your New Years resolution is fitness or self defense related then click on the following link to read how and why you should consider martial arts as a better and smarter way to be healthier, more confident and secure.
