Set SMART Goals

Goal setting is a skill -- a skill learned like any other, such as playing the piano, balancing a checkbook, or how to study. It’s not something that a few lucky people were born with.

Why is goal setting important anyway? Studies show that while less than 3% of people write their goals down and follow a plan, those same 3% accomplish more than all the other put together. WOW!

Don’t you want to be part of that 3% who’s actually accomplishing their goals? Then make sure your goals are SMART.

S – Specific: You’ve probably all heard how important it is to have a very specific goal. Do you know why? A specific goal has a much better chance of being accomplished than a vague/general goal. Why again? Because frustration and confusion can be created when it’s difficult to tell whether you’re really on the right track. Instead you know your headed toward something specific, like Milwaukee, instead of just “north”.

M – Motivational/Meaningful: In order to succeed with a goal, it has to have a certain emotional power to excite you enough to let you be willing to spend the time and effort necessary to achieve it. Are you excited by your goal? What’s your motive? What’s your motivation?

A – Acceptable: Is this something that you want for yourself? Do you accept this goal and the effort and time it will require of you? Are you willing and able to work towards this goal? A goal is acceptable to you when you feel comfortable with it, and believe that you can accomplish it.

R – Realistic/Real To Me: Is the goal realistic for you? Is it real to you? Can you see yourself in the future when the goal is reached? What do you look like, what are you doing, where are you doing it? Your goal has to be something you can visualize yourself doing. If you can't imagine it, you won’t do it.

T – Trackable/Target Date: A goal must have a target date to be motivating and to help you focus. A deadline too far in the future is subject to “Someday Island” – a place you’ll never get. But a goal that’s too tight, too confining is discouraging. Set your target date based on small milestones, like how many classes you need to take for training, or losing 1 pound per week. Don’t set yourself up for frustration and therefore set yourself up to fail.

It’s important to notice how all of these loop back into each other. The T for Target Date also needs to Realistic and Motivational. The S for Specific must relate to what’s Acceptable and Realistic to you. Use them all in conjunction with each other, and you’ll be more likely to move forward on your goals.
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Professional Life Coach Kathy Gates specializes in helping people who are ready to create a simpler, less stressful, more joyful and meaningful lifestyle. Get information on her programs and services at www.reallifecoach.com .