How To Set SMART Goals
Why Set Goals?
Goal setting is a great way to stay on track and work towards the life you desire. We all have dreams and things we want out of life but how many of us actually achieve what we set out to?
Just writing down your goals will go a long way in helping you achieve them. A recent study conducted by Psychology Professor Dr. Gail Matthews concluded that 76% of participants that wrote down their goals and actions and were held accountable by making weekly progress reports, successfully achieved their goals.
This is why setting SMART goals is so vital. Setting SMART goals increases the likelihood that we will reach our goals. Doing so gives us a clear direction, focus, motivation, promotes productivity and highlights the goals importance.
What Are SMART Goals?
The SMART Goal model is well known for goal setting and acquisition. It is an acronym, which stands for SPECIFIC, MEASURABLE, ATTAINABLE, REALISTIC and TIME-BASED.
Specific
Specific goals are much more likely to be achieved. Ask yourself what you want and why.
For example, a general goal would be “I want to be stronger.” A more specific goal would be “I want to commit to attending 4 strength classes a week at my gym. This will result in gaining muscle definition and losing body fat, which will improve my confidence.”
Measurable
Having a measurable goal allows you to determine a clear process to achieving your goal. To make your goal measurable, ask yourself “how will I know I have achieved my goal?”
For example, “I will know I am on track if I have attended 4 strength classes each week and see progress in my muscle definition in weekly photos.”
Attainable
Your goal should challenge you but be achievable. Once you have a clearly defined goal you will need to consider; Do you have the resources and capabilities to achieve it? In this case, if you have a gym membership and means of transport, then this is definitely attainable.
Relevant
SMART goals need to be relevant and meaningful to you. Does your goal align with your aspirations and how will it benefit you? It is important that your goal connects to your emotions and is something you are passionate to achieve.
Time Based
Set yourself a start and finish date. Having time constraints gives a sense of urgency which will motivate you to achieve your goal. Don’t reach too far into the future - set goals that are 1, 3, 6 or 12 month goals and can be easily tracked with progress.
A good template will get you to write down your goal, check it against the SMART checklist, prompt you to create actions or steps towards your goal and set a goal completion date.
So what are you waiting for? Your goals are within reach!
References
Matthews, G. (2015). Goal Research Summary. Paper presented at the 9th Annual International Conference of the Psychology Research Unit of Athens Institute for Education and Research (ATINER), Athens, Greece.
