Setting Smart Goals You Will Actually Stick With and Achieve
Big Goals, Small Steps
Even though I have done away with New Years Resolutions for 2022, that doesn’t mean I have done away with goal setting completely. I like to set goals as I think of them and when they make the most sense in my life, instead of just waiting for the New Year, the Next Month, or even the Next Day.
The most important thing to remember when setting a goal is to be SMART about it.
Be Specific with your goal.
Make sure your goal is Measurable.
Set goals that are Attainable and Achievable.
Remember to set goals that are Relevant and Realistic.
Give yourself a good Time-frame to complete your goal.
Here’s an example:
If your goal is learning how to run 5k in preparation for the charity run at the end of the summer and you have 10 months to go, waiting until August to start training is probably not the best plan. I like to map out attainable steps on my calendar for goals that have a clear end date. If I need to get to 5k in 10 months, then I need to get comfortable running 1k the first 2 months and adding an extra 1k every 2 months after that.
There is also a fantastic app called Couch To 5k (and other similar apps) that can help with training if you prefer something more on the technical side. There are other similar goal-setting apps, like Habit Tracker, that can help you set reminders and celebrate milestones.
I do the same thing when I’m trying to save for a holiday or other large expense. This takes the guesswork and stress out of it and breaks bigger goals down into smaller more manageable ones.
Write it Out, Visualize, Make your Move
It’s okay to dream big, in fact, I encourage it! You only have one life to live, so why not set your goals high?
Well, the problem with that is the follow-through.
You can set a goal to climb the tallest mountain in your state but the most important factors come after the goal is already set. Here is a brief (and incomplete) example of what I would make a list of if that was my goal:
- How long will it take me to train? What do I need to do to train?
2. How much will it cost?
-How long does it take to summit the
mountain?
-How much does it cost in gear?
-Will I require time off work?
3. Will I need a partner to climb with me?
Who will that be?
4. Do I need special permits?
5. What kind of gear do I need?
Once I have my big goal broken down into attainable steps, the follow-through is so much more likely to happen. Writing goals down on paper without steps or a way to follow through is kind of just like writing a dream down. It’s something you want to happen, but you know it isn’t likely unless you work for it. So this year, I’m challenging myself and you, to act SMART and reach for, and work for your goals.
So next time you have a goal to set, remember that Smart Goals are: Specific, Manageable, Achievable, Realistic, and have a Time-Frame.
Good Luck, Goal Getter!
