A goal without a plan is simply a dream. To make that dream a reality, be S.M.A.R.T. about it. Smart is an is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. When your goals fall into these categories, you are far more likely to realize success.
The biggest buzz when it comes to goal setting is finding your WHY. Your why outlines not your motivation but rather your intention. It requires you looking beyond what you wish for and forces you to focus on the actions, the stepping stones needed to get there.
Setting S.M.A.R.T. Goals:
1. SMART Goals are Specific. Have a specific goal in mind, your WHY. It could be "Go from 165 pounds to 155 pounds," or "Get off my diabetes medications." Both are specific goals without any vague phrasing left open to interpretation. The more specific the goal, the clearer the victory when you finally achieve it. If your goal is large, break it down into baby steps but be sure these steps are just as specific in order for them to be attainable and achievable.
2. SMART Goals are Measurable. Being able to measure your progress is really important in goal setting and goal achievement. It's a way to quantify whether or not you're moving in the right direction, since you can clearly track and measure both positive and negative progress along the way.
3. SMART Goals are Attainable. They're not extremely farfetched like "Lose 100 pounds in 90 days," because if there's no way to achieve the goal, why set it? SMART goals are goals you're physically and mentally capable of achieving.
4. SMART Goals are Realistic. There is a correlation between a specific achievement that you can reach and a time frame that realistically coordinates with that achievement. For that reason, a SMART goal would be "Lose 10 pounds in 90 days," for a healthy weight loss of 3 to 4 pounds per month, rather than "Lose 10 pounds this week."
5. SMART Goals are Timely. Smart goals have time frames, that are attainable. When you put a realistic time frame on your goal, it gives you something to work for. To simply "Lose 10 pounds," without a time frame lacks motivation. "Lose 10 pounds by my birthday" has a realistic time frame that gives you something to work for and a date for completion.
When setting your New Years goals this year, set S.M.A.R.T. goals. Setting SMART goals is the best way to guarantee success at setting and achieving goals for what you want in life. By setting goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely, you can and will achieve the success you deserve!
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