What can I say about goal setting? We have all been there with work-related goal setting when it comes to our performance reviews. That dreaded process of setting goals to discuss with your manager for the next year, most of which are just words to fill the page and complete the task. Every year, asking yourself how are my SMART goals defined this time?
I’m not talking about that kind of goal!
I’m talking about the ones you actually want to set for yourself and want to accomplish! The goal or goals can be related to your job, to your family, to your health, to anything. Personally, I want to focus on some of the health changes that I have been having, as well as balancing my regular job and my business here.
What goals do you want to define for yourself?
Whether you want to set financial goals or your overflowing inbox or even your cluttered bathroom, setting goals can sometimes be overwhelming.
Now all of these plans sound great, but what does it all actually mean? How do we take it from theory into practice for real life? With these goal setting tips!
Let’s take the example of “I want to clean out my closet”. If yours looks anything like mine, that is a daunting goal — to the point where I’m unlikely to even start. I mean, what are the Christmas bows doing next to my jeans that don’t fit? Seriously!
Let’s look at
SMART goals defined!
* Specific
* Measurable
* Achievable
* Relevant
* Time-bound
S — I want to clean out my closet so that I can see my clothing more easily.
M — I want to eliminate 20 items from my stuff that I no longer need or use.
A — I will need to gather my supplies and set aside the time to get it done.
R — This will help streamline my morning and get me out the door faster.
T — I want to accomplish this within the next 30 days.
It also helps to envision the final result. Right now, you’re on Island A and you want to be on Island B.
- Island A is the state of your closet right now. Shoes that you bought 10 years ago that you haven’t worn in 8 years; a bridesmaid’s dress you wore once in a wedding you can barely remember; and let’s not forget those Christmas bows. How did they get in there anyway?
- Island B is the land of color coordinated coat hangers and perfectly aligned pairs of shoes and a shelf display of handbags. (Okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration). But Island B could realistically be the clothing you wear regularly hanging up nicely and no more digging through those bridesmaids’ dresses to find the sweater you need for work this morning.
When you imagine living on Island B, what does it look like? What does it feel like? Are your mornings a little easier? Do you have a better idea what to add to your wardrobe when you go shopping? Can you breathe just a little easier when you walk into that closet?
Once you’ve defined your SMART goals, you can keep that image to motivate you to get the goal accomplished!
While the closet goal is a relatively simple one, some goals are more involved and can have more steps or tasks. If you are ready to achieve all your goals, big or small, check out this amazing goal planner made just for you and all the things you want to accomplish!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of SMART goals?
The general meaning of SMART goals is to set realistic goals that can be defined, measured, and accomplished. When goals are too vague, they tend to get lost. But when you outline the terms of the goal, it becomes more real and more achievable.
What are the 5 parts of SMART?
- Smart
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time-bound
How do you write a SMART goal?
- Smart – The who, what, when, where, why, and which of the goal you are setting.
- Measurable – What type of metrics will you use to measure your progress and your completion?
- Achievable – How will you accomplish your goal? Will you need a new skill? Will you need help?
- Relevant – How does this individual goal line up with your overall ideas and objectives?
- Time-bound – Set a realistic time limit. If it’s a large goal, make sure to break it down into milestones.
What are some SMART goal examples?
- S – I want to earn a promotion at work.
- M – I will seek new projects and certifications.
- A – My boss already mentioned a possibility.
- R – I want to keep my career moving upward.
- T – I will complete the project and the certification and apply within 4 months.
- S – I want to lose 25 pounds.
- M – I’ll track of my food, exercise, and weight.
- A – I am in good health to start this regimen.
- R – I want to have more energy for activities.
- T – I have already RSVP-ed for my class reunion in 6 months.