Setting S.M.A.R.T. Goals

How to set SMART Goals.

We all now how important setting goals is when it comes to accomplishing a task.  They are the carrots on the stick that keep us moving forward.  But what if you’re not setting good goals?  A GOOD GOAL?  You may be asking yourself, “Isn’t any goal a good goal?”  True, anything is better than nothing.  But when it comes to setting goals, there is a way that will improve your chances of accomplishing them.

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Instead of setting vague or random goals that may not push you to take action, it is important that you set SMART goals, which will help motivate you to take steps toward achieving them.  So what are SMART goals?

• Specific
• Measurable
• Attainable
• Realistic
• Time Sensitive

Specific – Generalities don’t work. The more specific and detailed your goals are, the more you can get emotionally attached to achieving them.  What do you want to accomplish?  Why?  How is this goal going to make you feel once you reach it?

Measurable - ”Getting in better shape” or “Lose a few pounds” are too vague.  Vague goals lead to vague results.  Make sure to set the exact weight you WILL BE, or the dress size you WILL get in to, or how fast you WILL run a mile, etc…Either you are going to hit that number or you won’t. But either way you need to be able to measure what you are going to achieve.

Attainable – If you want to lose 100 lbs, it won’t happen in the next 3 months.  If you are currently a couch potato, running a 7 minute mile isn’t going to happen in 3 months either.  In setting your goals, make sure you push yourself towards a difficult goal that is going to help you get better, but make sure all that effort will allow you to reach the goal in the amount of time you have specified.

Realistic – This one is similar to attainable above.  But take it a step further; make sure the goal you are setting can eventually be reached.  Attainable refers to reaching it within the time specified.  Realistic refers to whether or not you can ever attain it.  For instance, I will NEVER be able to win a gold medal in the Olympics for women’s floor exercise.  I am not a gymnast, a woman, nor will I ever achieve that.  Yes…its a drastic example.  The point is, make sure you will eventually be able to reach the goal you are setting.

Time-Sensitive – Set a due date.  You know what you want to do.  Now set a time you are guaranteeing it will be done by.  And then get to working to make sure it happens.

SO…putting it all together, a good goal could look like:
“Today is January 1, and I weigh 200 pounds.  On or before June 1 at 6am I will weight 184.9 lbs or less.”
“Today is August 1 and I can’t do a single push-up.  By Halloween, I will be able to do 10 real push ups in a row without stopping”
If you have any questions about setting your goals, or want some help in setting your goals, just let me know.  I am here to help in any way I can.

Dedicated to Making Healthy Your Habit,
Mychael
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