It’s that time of year when many of us resolve to make sweeping changes in our lives. And in a month or so, it will be that time of year when many of us say, “I give up!” Why is it that we can’t stick to our goals? Are we just too lazy or lack motivation to make lasting changes in our lives? I don’t think so.
The problem may be that we aren’t setting the right kind of goals, ones that you can actually reach. We tend to dream big and want immediate results. Dreaming big is great, but as the saying goes, there is only one way to eat an elephant and that is one bite at a time.
Successful goals tend to have several aspects in common, charactersitics that make it easier for you to succeed. Often, you’ll see the acronym SMART to describe this way of setting goals. SMART can have many different meanings, but a common one is:
SPECIFIC
MEASURABLE
ACHIEVABLE
RISKY
TIMELY
Get Specific
Intentions that are too general are difficult to achieve. If you say you want to be a better person, what does that mean? Does it mean you want to tell your spouse you love them more often, or you want to stop yelling at other motorists driving on the interstate? Make sure your intention targets one single aspect of change.
Measure It
Ensure that you can see the results of the changes you are making. If you intend to cut back on spending, then set up systems to track purchases and save money. If you don’t see the small, incremental steps that you are taking toward your goal, you won’t feel successful.
Reality Check
Remember the elephant? When we set goals that are way too big, they are difficult to achieve. We get overwhelmed and give up. So instead of eating the elephant in one big bite, resolve to eat just his foot, then his other foot, and so on. By breaking it down into smaller, more realistic, achievable steps, you’ll feel that sense of accomplishment much quicker, and it will fuel the next step.
Take a Risk
When a goal is too easy, we don’t put much effort into it, if any at all. Goals that make us stretch a little, that make us a bit uncomfortable, are more meaningful. If you’re uncomfortable speaking in front of large crowds, join Toastmasters. Always wanted to earn your Masters, but think you’ve missed the opportunity? Take a class. These are the goals that are life-changing. So step outside your comfort zone.
The Right Time
Ask yourself, is it the right time for this goal? Are you truly ready to make the change you are committing to? If the answer to that question is yes, then set a deadline for achieving the goal. This puts it at the top of your To Do List and makes it a priority.
Of course, there are lots of other ways to make your goals SMART. They can be Snack-sized, Meaningful, Actionable, Realistic, Top-priority, etc. Find a combination that fits you and your goal best and get started making SMART Goals!
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