Setting future goals can be a very motivating experience that makes you feel like you have it all under control and are ready to take on the world. When it comes to the actual process though…things sometimes take a difficult turn.
Some people give up, some persevere to the point of exhaustion then decide it’s not worth it, and a slight few actually sit down and reflect on what went wrong and where they can improve to make it work. Motivation and dedication play a very important role in getting to where you want to be but the basis of it all is proper planning, hence why being SMART is important in goal setting.
The SMART method is a simple technique that helps you set specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely goals. Through the following steps below, we are going to help you set your SMART goals today so you can ensure that you are building a steady road towards success!
STEP 1
– List out all the areas in your life that you would like to change
– Choose the area that is most important to you and define exactly what that change is
– For now, stick to visualizing how different life will be once you achieve this goal. How will you look? Where will you be? Whom will you be with?
The purpose of STEP 1 is to help you understand the importance of your goal and its positive value to your life. This will now excite you for STEP 2 the planning exercise
STEP 2
Grab your journal and favorite pen so we can answer the following questions and guide you correctly in phrasing your priority goal!
SPECIFIC: WHAT EXACTLY WILL YOU ACCOMPLISH?
MEASURABLE: HOW WILL YOU KNOW WHEN YOU HAVE REACHED THIS GOAL?
ACHIEVABLE: IS ACHIEVING THIS GOAL REALISTIC WITH EFFORT AND COMMITMENT? HAVE YOU GOT THE RESOURCES TO ACHIEVE THIS GOAL? IF NOT, HOW WILL YOU GET THEM?
RELEVANT: WHY IS THIS GOAL SIGNIFICANT TO YOUR LIFE?
TIME-BOUND: WHEN WILL YOU ACHIEVE THIS GOAL?
The purpose of this exercise is to help you define your goal in a SMART way and set a deadline to achieve it so you can measure your progress until then. In STEP 3 we will break down the obstacles that might come our way and brainstorm solutions!
STEP 3
LIST DOWN THE POTENTIAL OBSTACLES YOU MIGHT FACE DURING THE PROGRESS OF YOUR GOAL
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS?
WHO CAN YOU REACH OUT TO FOR HELP?
Take your time to answer these questions, they are important for your future self who might find herself demotivated or challenged
Looking back at what you write now will help her get back on track and most importantly, remember: Why the goal is important and what will the benefits be
STEP 4
In the final step, we will create a timeline to help us measure the progress of our priority goal!
This will help us stay motivated and clear on the path we want to be on, keep in mind that it’s completely ok to want to change in the middle of the way or try something completely different BUT make sure it’s coming out of a place of curiosity and not fear of failure.
THINK ABOUT THIS:
WHAT STEPS NEED TO BE TAKEN TO GET YOU TO YOUR GOAL?
List the:
WHAT SECTION
EXPECTED COMPLETION DATE SECTION
A YES/NO COMPLETION SECTION
As a final reminder, remember that it’s ok to change everything midway and redefine certain concepts along your journey like what success or abundance means to you.
You are meant to change and grow so don’t hold yourself back from trying new ways and letting go of what does not serve you.
You also don’t have to do it completely on your own, reach out for guidance.
Published By: Zaina Armoush
