Over the years, I’ve set goals for myself and tried to make them work. It often seemed like the final product never lived up to my expectations. Know the feeling?
Even at 29 years old, I always look to the lessons I learned from my teachers in elementary school to help me out. One lesson I strive to implement in all areas of my life is the use of SMARRT goals.
But what does that really mean?
S- Be SPECIFIC about your goal. Ask yourself the 5 W’s. – Who? What? When? Where? Why?
M- MEASURE your outcome. How am I going to measure my progress? How will I know if I’ve reached my goal?
A- Make sure your goal is ACHIEVABLE. I like to think about this as breaking up your ultimate goal into a step-by-step process. Each step could be easier or harder depending on the person, but you are still working toward your goal.
R- Keep it RELEVANT. This one is the make or break point. You could be chomping away at the goal for months and then inevitably run into a brick wall that could make you change direction only to come back to that step later or completely throw it away (I am here at this very moment). Ask yourself, is this the right time? Do I have the resources for this? Is this goal in line with my long-term objectives?
R- RECORD it. Write down what your original goal is and put it in your home, somewhere visible to remind yourself what exactly you’re working for so you don’t lose sight of it.
T- Consider the TIME. How long will it take to achieve this goal? When is the completion of this goal due?
Every person is different, and every journey is different. There is always that possibility of not being able to completely get to where you wanted to be, but don’t get discouraged. What is so awesome about life and what we make of it, is the ability to make another goal and GO for it!
