Goal Setting

You may have heard of setting S.M.A.R.T. goals, goals set using the acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. This method of goal setting is popular because it requires you to find your “why” (understand why the goal is important to you), be realistic, and set a specific timeline to achieve your goals.

We actually want to set S.M.A.R.T.E.R. goals! The path to achieving goals is rarely straight. Using the S.M.A.R.T.E.R. goal setting method, you will have a solid game plan for how to stay on track when you hit bumps in the road. This method is best for beginners who want to achieve a realistic but challenging goal!

S.M.A.R.T.E.R. Goal Setting:
Specific – Write down exactly what you want to achieve. Being clear and detailed will keep you focused.
Measurable – How are you going to measure your success? You must know how you will measure your outcomes or you won’t know what success is.
Achievable – Ensure your goal is realistic. Setting a realistic goal is a step forward on the path to success; if your goal isn’t realistic, you will not stay motivated.
Relevant – Connect this goal to your overall personal/professional vision. If your goal is really important to you, you will stay focused more easily.
Time-bound – Set a deadline. Stating a specific time frame will help you avoid procrastination.
Evaluate – Set progress check dates. Build this into your plan.
Readjust – Stay flexible. This is important! You will run into obstacles along the way, and making some adjustments to your original plan is okay! Staying flexible allows you to make small changes so you can refocus and reach your ultimate goal.

S.M.A.R.T.E.R. goal example: I will ride 120 miles on my bicycle in 3 months, logging my rides with my phone, checking my progress monthly, and readjusting my schedule if necessary.

Now that you have learned how to set a S.M.A.R.T.E.R. goal, let’s get focused on what your goal will be.

If you have no idea where to start, here are some questions to ask yourself:
• What do I want to experience more in life? What can I do to make that happen?
• What do I want to offer the world? Where can I begin?
• Who do I want to be in the most important relationships or roles in my life? What would that look like?
• How do I want to grow in the next year?

Everyone has goals. The difference between those who achieve their goals and those who don’t is a plan with actionable steps to get there! Use the S.M.A.R.T.E.R. goal method! Write your goal down and share it with important people in your life so that you have people to support you and keep you accountable!