Even if it’s just a crazy idea floating in your head, like running a marathon, I am 100% sure you can figure out some ways to complete your smart goals.
This doesn’t have to be done at the beginning of the year. It will work whenever you are ready to setup your own goals and if you want to truly understand your values and get a deeper knowledge of what you want to achieve.
SMART goals are only the beginning, working on what is blocking you and how to overcome your previous failure can provide you with more chances of success. Life is not a series of success we see on social media, we all have a hard time and fail at things. It’s okay. What you do with your failures can make you stronger.
What does the acronym SMART stand for?
Specific: Is it something that can be easily identified when you reach it. For example, “I want to lose weight” vs ” I want to lose 20 pounds”.
Measurable: Would you be able to identify that you have reached your goal? Is there a clear criteria? Measurable is often referred to as unit of measure, for example “I want more money” vs “I want to pay down 5000$ from my debt”.
Achievable: Is your goal something that you can accomplish, something that is possible? As much as we would like not everyone has the equal amount of potential or starts from the same place. I would love to believe I can make millions of dollars, but the reality is that I don’t want to work that much to actually achieve this. Is it achievable for me? Maybe not. What does it take to get to your goal?
Realistic: Even for a big challenge, is it something that you can physically and mentally do? Can you prepare for it? Are you able to commit to it?
I truly believe if you put your mind into something, you can achieve it, but if you never ran in your life, running a marathon in the next month might not be realistic for you at the moment. Yes you can divide it into smaller goals, like starting to run a 5km. It’s okay to have big goals but don’t make it so big that you get discouraged.
Time Framed: Does your goal have a specific end? A duration? Even if your long-term end goal might be long, ensure to setup smaller milestones along the way. “I want more money” vs “I want to save 1,000$ over the next 6 months”.
What are SMART goals?
SMART goals can provide you with a direction, a guide for you to follow instead of just saying things. For example, a lot of people say things like “I want to lose weight”. How will you do it? What does losing weight mean to you? If you were to wake up tomorrow and the scale shows 30 pounds less, but you feel exactly the same and look the same will the number on the scale really matter? Is it a feeling you are looking for? A look maybe? Do you want more muscles or fit in a certain outfit? What does it all mean to you?
By setting objectives, a way to measure when you are on the right track and realistic goals you will be on a better track to succeed. By dividing your goal into smaller achievable milestones you will have a plan and it will become easier to take action.
Instead of “I want to lose weight” and saying “I want to lose 5 pounds this month” you know what you want. It will not be enough to keep you going, but already you have a better idea of what you are working on.
Motivation and understanding the true meaning of your goals will make or break you. By digging deep you will have a better knowledge of your values, your why and what will keep you going.
Intrinsic motivation and why it matters
Motivation will not just come to you. If part of your new training regimen is to wake up early to workout, trust me some morning you just won’t want to do it. You will roll back in bed and tell yourself “I will do it tomorrow”. Overtime, these patterns will grow and make it harder and harder to break.
When you setup SMART goals, you will have a true understanding of what you are trying to accomplish. You will understand your values and personal fulfillment, this will help you when you want to quit or want to postpone your goal for the next day.
Intrinsic motivation comes from within, which you will need. This type of motivation will ensure that you are engaged in your own success, you will need to find a way to include pleasure and satisfaction. Does the step you are taking are making you happy? Are they fun and enjoyable? If the answer is no, find a way to adjust your goal so you have fun in the process.
