Last week I started sharing my knowledge and experience about goal setting basics. We covered the Introduction and Step 1, and by now you might already know what objectives you would like to write down. But before we start, let’s familiarize ourselves with SMART criteria.
- Introduction
- Step 1: Preparation and Self-Assessment
- Step 2: Goal Setting
- SMART Criteria
- Control
- Step 3: Action and Revaluation
Are your goals SMART?
It is highly likely that you are already familiar with the SMART term when in relation to goal setting. In case you didn’t already know, SMART is widely used in project management, as well as in organizations for employee-performance management. Along with these, it is also applied in coaching. I’ve found much success from it personally and I want to share this proven method with you so that you can find success, too.
When I first started writing down my goals, I had no idea about SMART criteria whatsoever. It didn’t even cross my mind for a second to look into how or what’s the right way to set my goals. To be honest, for the first couple of years, my goal list was probably more of a list of dreams because I didn’t give it much thought. It was only when I started failing year after year without achieving almost any goals, that I realized I’m clearly doing something wrong. Instead of reading and educating myself on the goal-setting topic from the get-go, I used the trial and error method. After my huge detour, I finally came to the realization that every goal needs to be not only time-bound, but also specific, measurable and realistic. Eureka!
S for Specific
When you define a goal, use a clear language and make it specific. Ask questions such as: what, where, when, with whom, how, why.
E.g. instead of lose weight, say lose X amount of kg/lbs or write down a certain fat percentage you want to achieve. Instead of writing get promotion, find out what can you do, to make it happen. Maybe volunteer for a project or learn a new skill. Hence, say learn X skill or take over Y project.
M for Measurable
How do we know if we have succeeded or not? You probably know the answer already, but I’ll just remind you: we need to be able to measure the outcome. I personally like the numbers, so if I can associate a goal with a specific number, I’ll do it. Or tie your target to a specific event such as specific (half) marathon, music festival, travel destination or a skill you want to learn.
E.g. instead read more, write down “read 1 book a month”, or instead of run faster/longer, write down “run half-marathon in X city on a Y date”.
A for Achievable (attainable)
Our goals must be realistic. This might sound like common sense, but this is the biggest reason why I have failed and gotten frustrated with myself numerous times. At the moment when we set the goals, we tend to be quite enthusiastic and full of energy. However, our motivation is not the same each and every day. How would you execute your plan when you feel down? Another aspect to keep in mind: do you have time to work on this goal? Most of us have busy lives and to squeeze in an extra responsibility might be super challenging. I am not trying to be discouraging here, but always remember: be REALISTIC. If you set up yourself for a failure from the get-go, you will just be miserable and start losing motivation. Start small and grow from there! Even the smallest change in our routine will have an impact to our lives and you will see how this small change is becoming a catalyst for bigger changes.
E.g. let’s say if you have a full-time job, small children and a household to take care of. Can you really have one date-night a week? Or does one date-night a month sound more realistic?
R for Relevant
How does this goal fit to your overall life plan (career direction, personal life)? What do you get out of it? Why is this important to you? Also, think of the process of getting to the goal, would you enjoy working on it? Eliminate useless goals and prioritize.
Aside from this, I think it is important that our goals are coming from our hearts and that we are truly happy and excited about them. Is this really what YOU want, and is this what makes you excited? Does the goal fulfill you or does it stand on your list to solely feed your ego?
E.g. do you want to travel more and spend your bonus on trips because YOU want it and it helps you to grow as a person, or do you want it because everyone in your age seems to be doing it and you need cute travel photos for Instagram? Be real with yourself and stop looking at the lives of others. Most importantly, remember how fake social media can be in the first place. Look into your heart and if indeed exploring new countries is something your have been dreaming about for years, then go ahead with this goal, trust me it is worth it. On the other hand, if you need the money for your mortgage or to pay off student loans, adjust your travel budget accordingly.
T for Time-bound
Set a deadline for every goal. This is totally up to you which timeframe you choose to use, but know your deadline and honor this. For me personally, this is the only reason why I get anything done. In school and at work we have deadlines and somehow we are able to meet them (even if it means writing a 10-page paper a night before you have to hand it in).We often feel like we can’t make it happen, but somehow, we get it done. In our private lives, things often look completely different though. I myself used to be (and sometimes still am) a typical procrastinator who just couldn’t push myself to get anything done. The moment I set a deadline for my goals though, something in my brain shifts. For some magical reason, I am able to motivate myself enough and at least started work on the objectives.
It is also important to differ short-term goals from long-term goals and to keep in mind that every long-term goal consists of several short-term goals. Short-term goals can be as short as a day, a week or a month. In my opinion, everything that is planned out for further than a year from now is automatically a long-term goal. Long-term goals are quite challenging to plan ahead, but doable with the right plan and strategy. Just remember that every long-term goal needs to be broken into short-term tasks and that they need to be monitored on a regular basis.
E.g. if you want to apply for mortgage to purchase a condo or a house, you most probably won’t have the money for the down payment together within a year. What you can do though, is to start saving for it now. Know how much you are able to save every month and set a number how much you want to put aside by end of the year. It would also be smart to educate yourself and meet with a mortgage specialist.
I know it was a long post, but I promise that all these points are valid and necessary for your goal success! Stay tuned for the next post (hint: I am speaking about control!)
Light and love,
Liis