Set smart goals
Productivity

Be SMART about your Goals

We all have goals we want to achieve and sadly, more than 50% of the time we won’t. Therefore, we need to be smart in setting our goals, to give us direction and motivation.

Setting goals is a step closer to achieving our dreams. However, without a plan, the task at hand seems impossible to achieve. Our goals must inspire us as they are powerful to turn our dreams into reality.

Most importantly, setting goals helps us make things happen in our lives instead of life happening to us.

You must first establish what it is you want to achieve. Then, clearly define your goals in terms of what it would mean to you to achieve them. Ultimately, your goals must bring value to your life and be able to propel you forward in your endeavours.

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How do you set and stick to your goals?

1. Be driven when setting goals

Setting goals that inspire you is key. There must be a driving force for you to want to achieve your goals. They must be important to you and achieving them should fulfil a purpose.

Achieving your goals requires commitment, focus and determination. Therefore, you must have an “I can do this” attitude. Lack of commitment means you risk putting off what you need to do to realize your goals.

Don’t put too much pressure on yourself that you end up burnt out and giving up on your goals.

2. Set SMART goals

Smart goals

The idea of setting ‘SMART goals’ may not be new to you. But do you always apply the principles? For your goals to be powerful and effective, they need to be SMART [Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time bound].

Set specific goals

Your goals must be clear and specific. Vague goals are not very helpful because they don’t give you enough direction to follow. Goals are a guide to lead you to live the life you want. They are not the end in and of themselves.

Set measurable goals

How will you determine that you have met your goal? Be as precise and clear as you possibly can. Precision and clarity make your goals more tangible because it provides a way to measure progress.

Write down the time frame, amount, cost or exact goal you want to achieve. Have tools in place to measure progress and efficiency. Use a system that works for you to monitor and track your goals.

For example, when your goal is simply to “lose weight”, you have no real way of measuring when you have achieved the goal. When you measure your progress, you can stay on track and make the necessary changes.

Set achievable goals

Set goals you know you can achieve. The focus is on how important a goal is to you. Furthermore, what knowledge do you possess that can help make your goals attainable or skills you need to acquire to achieve your goal?

Goals are meant to motivate, not discourage you. Therefore, you must set challenging, not impossible goals that you believe you can achieve. Your goals shouldn’t be too easy that they don’t require effort.

Set goals that will move you to your next level.

Set relevant goals

Goals should make sense and fit in with the bigger picture of your life. You need to be committed to putting in the effort to achieve your goals. Therefore, they must serve your purpose.

It’s ok to want to reach for the stars, just don’t stretch yourself too far and end up discouraged when it does not work out as planned. Your goals should be in line with your plans and purpose.

Set time-bound goals

Anyone can set goals, but if it lacks realistic timing, chances are you’re not going to succeed. Providing deadlines also creates a sense of urgency and also helps keep you motivated. Setting a start and finished date pushes you to complete the tasks you have set.

When you don’t set a timeframe to achieve your goals you may keep pushing back on doing what you need to do to achieve them. Diarize and schedule tasks relevant to your goals.

Having a dedicated GOALS JOURNAL can be very helpful to keep your time conscious.

3. Write your goals down

Goals for the month planner
Photo by Estée Janssens on Unsplash

Writing your goals down makes it easier to achieve and gives you focus and motivation.  It is important to use the words “will” or “can” instead of “would like to” or “could” as it instils an element of certainty.

Your goals should be at the top of your to-do list or daily planner. Write your goals in visible places to remind yourself every day of what it is you need to get done.

For instance, write on post-its and put on your, desk, mirror or fridge as a reminder. Having them written down will limit your excuses for not committing to them.

4. Turn your goals into action

It is important to outline your goals in a plan so that you know where to start and keep track of progress. Between setting your goals and achieving them, are steps that will allow you to accomplish your goals.

You can keep track of your goals with this FREE goal tracking template.

Besides, having your goals set and written down doesn’t do much for you if you don’t take the necessary action steps to achieve them.

A positive goal statement will keep you motivated. Click To Tweet

Remember, goal setting is a process and a never ending life journey. Therefore, keep track of yourself and constantly review your goals. Achieving a set of goals often leads to other goals as you grow and learn new things.

Love, Everyday

Ntha

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