Successful goal setting starts with writing your goals. A goal not written is just
a thought or a dream, not something you are committed to.
We didn't invent SMART Goals but we highly endorse the philosophy and have incorporated
the concepts into our Goal Achievement and Well-Being Platform to help you write
your goals correctly. The biggest problem with Goal Setting we have seen in our
40 plus years of combined experience is that unless there is a mechanism to hold
people accountable it stops. This platform is your mechanism and it's incredibly
affordable.
Specific – You have a greater likelihood of accomplishing a goal
that is specific over a goal that is too general. As an example, I want to lose
weight is too general so the SMART goal would be I will lose 10 lbs.
Measurable – It is important that your goals be measurable otherwise
it will be difficult to judge your progress towards achievement. In the goal above
we specified 10 lbs as our weight loss goal which can be measured.
Achievable – Stretch goals are good – it is good to challenge
yourself. However it is important that you not set a stretch goal so big that it
is not attainable. Don't set a goal to lose 30 lbs if you only have a short period
to achieve your goal. As an example if you only have one month to lose weight before
your class reunion losing 30 lbs is not likely to be achieved.
Realistic – Goals have to be realistic. In other words you have
to be willing to put in the work to achieve the goal. The more difficult the goal
the more commitment is required. Only you can determine if your goal is realistic
and if you can commit to it.
Timely – A goal must have a target date for achievement otherwise
it is just a wish. Having a target date will help keep you focused when "life gets
in the way." So for our weight loss goal we might write I will lose 10 lbs by insert
date.
