Writing Smart Goals? Read This Before You Start!
Many people are writing smart goals (S.M.A.R.T.) to accomplish what it is they want. Sadly most of those people never stick to those objectives because they are only using half of the equation. It turns out that there is another set of goals that you must use to accomplish your them.What are they? S.M.A.R.T. stands for:
- Specific - Goals that are well-spelled out can be achieved more easily.
- Measurable - Laid out in measurable terms (such as in pounds for weight, dollars for money, etc..) they are easier to accomplish.
- Action-Oriented - If they youdo something are in your control and thus achievable.
- Realistic - If you believe in what you're doing, you can accomplish are more likely to make it through.
- Timely - Give yourself a reasonable time limit and that will pressure you to see them done.
Setting smart goals will give you a greater chance of accomplishing those goals (more than any vague goal.) Based on my experience, this is still not enough!
S.M.A.R.T. 2.0 Acronym
Small steps - Writing smart goals that are realistic is not enough. You got to get momentum going! To do that, you need to break down those goals into smaller chunks that you know you can accomplish.
For example, if you want to lose 15 pounds in 15 weeks, break that down into losing 1 pound per week! So, "What's the difference?" you ask?
Think about how you'll feel when you know you've accomplished the smaller goal. Good, right? Will you more likely accomplish the main goal of losing 15 pounds? you bet!
Remember: Promise yourself to at least finish and understand that finishing is an accomplishment in itself!
Meaningful - Setting smart goals is not enough. You must set missions that mean something to you.
You see, there's a difference between losing 15 pounds because it's good for you, AND knowing that you're going to die in 6 months unless you lose 15 pounds now! Always answer your "why am I doing this again?" question with genuine and meaningful responses.
I'm going to tell you now: If you don't have a genuine 'why', you'll quit. I'm going to save you time and money by telling you that even though writing smart goals is meaningful, you won't do it!
Adventure-oriented - Most people fail because they forget to have fun! They forget that people don't do anything unless it brings some spice into their lives!
FACT: The number 1 success killer is self-doubt. The number 2 killer is a rut! Make sure to add some variety to your action plan.
For example, instead of exercising on Mondays and Wednesdays, change it to Tuesdays and Thursdays! The best time to add variety is when you're starting to feel bored. Keep the momentum alive by adding some variety!
Rewarded - The best way to keep going about doing anything is to reward yourself! You can even reward yourself with things you're already doing! For example, allow yourself to watch your favorite TV show after you've exercised.
This simple change of rewarding yourself with treats instead of just taking the treats will turn you into one of the winners in life!
Tried and Tested - When writing smart goals for what you want, find who accomplished them before, and learn from those people!
For example, if you really want to lose 15 pounds in 15 weeks, go to the gym, find people who have the body you want, and ask them how they've done it!
More often than not, they will appreciate your genuine interest in their accomplishments (sure you'll find some arrogant folk but you don't wanna be like them right? Scan them out and avoid them.)
Summary
So there you have it. Writing smart goals with this new list in mind will guarantee your success!
