Do you set goals for yourself but never actually accomplish them? Or maybe you’re a procrastinator who just doesn’t complete tasks? I used to be the queen of unfinished projects and abandoned goals, but here’s how I changed and how you can too!
S.M.A.R.T. Goals: the type of goals you should be setting
Goal-setting is something I work on with my life coaching clients on a constant basis. Chances are, you’re not achieving your goals because they aren’t SMART goals. No, it’s not that you don’t have intelligent and aspirational goals, it’s that they aren’t S.M.A.R.T.
S = specific (concrete and tangible steps)
M = measurable (how will this goal be measured? How will you know when you’ve accomplished this goal? Is it quantifiable?
A= achievable (is this achievable for you at this point in time? Are you capable of accomplishing this goal?
R = realistic (are you realistically able to accomplish this goal, given everything going on in your life?)
T = timely (By when will you achieve this goal? What is your timeline? Is there a deadline?)
Examples of S.M.A.R.T. Goals
For example, let’s take a goal like “I want to be healthier.” That’s not a smart goal. Why? Because it’s way too vague. Healthy is a subjective term that everyone measures differently. Also, there’s no timeline, and it’s really just not specific across the board.
Now, I will lose 5lbs by September 1stis a S.M.A.R.T. goal. It is specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely.
One of my
Also, it’s key to note that you should always phrase your goals as “I will…” not “I want…” Stating your goal as a positive affirmation reinforces your subconscious mind that you are capable of achieving this goal.
Use my worksheet!
I created this FREE S.M.A.R.T. goals worksheet for you to work off of and organize your goals and action steps! You can even hang it up on your wall to be reminded of your goals and dreams every single day 🙂
How will you hold yourself accountable?
Now once you have checked off every letter for every goal you have, you must ask yourself, how are you going to hold yourself accountable? I’m not going to hold yourself accountable – you are holding yourself accountable!
Personally, I create very detailed and bulleted to-do lists on a daily basis. That’s how I hold myself accountable and stay on my timeline because if I don’t get things done, I feel extremely guilty. I HATE moving unfinished tasks to the next day or following week.
Every goal needs action steps
The goal is the end result, but the action steps are the steps you take to get there. They are the “how?”
Now, how are you going to accomplish this goal? What action steps are you going to take toward this goal? Make a list of specific action steps you need to take for each of your goals.
For example, “walking for 30 minutes each day” or “working out 5x a week” are action steps you can take toward the goal of losing 5lbs by September 1st.
Related: How to Overcome Analysis Paralysis
Organization is key!
I’ve learned that organization is key in accomplishing and achieving anything you want in life. When you get specific and organize your goals, you see success much faster than you would being vague and unorganized.
As a life coach, I help my clients develop and achieve their S.M.A.R.T. goals on a daily basis, and honestly, even for me, learning about smart goals has tremendously helped me on a personal and professional level.
I used to be the queen of setting vague goals, which is why I have so many unfinished projects and loose ends that were never tied up. Two major keys to success are structure and organization. Creating smart goals has really allowed me to get out of my own way and actually crush my long-term goals. I have become hyper-organized and very clear about my goals and how I’m going to get to the end result. This goal-setting mechanism has completely changed my habits for the better!
PRO TIP: It’s also extremely useful to have these goals posted somewhere that you’ll see them every day. Have you heard of vision boards? I have a post written on the power of vision boards and how to make your own!
Having a vision board or seeing your goals written out actually activates your subconscious mind. Whether it’s on a subconscious or conscious level, you’ll constantly be reminded of your goals and stay on track.
I hope this article helps you set your goals and crush them! Let me know your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! 🙂
Related:
- How to Create a Vision Board and Manifest Your Dreams!
- 41 Simple Self-Care Ideas for a Bad Day
- How a Simple Gratitude Exercise Completely Changed My Life
