A prominent and often suggested guideline for goal setting uses the SMART acronym. It's not the only way and may not even be the best way to set your goals, but SMART goal setting has some definite benefits. We'll look at other goal setting strategies in future articles. The SMART acronym has various meanings, but typically stands for:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Realistic
- Time.
Specific: The goal should be described as specifically as possible. A goal of losing weight is not specific. A goal of losing twenty pounds from a current weight of one-ninety is specific. Even better is to set a specific target weight of one-seventy pounds.
Measurable: To be effective, the goal must be measurable. Obviously, weight is measurable, whereas being more generous, being a better parent, and working harder at your job are not measurable as stated. If your goal is in an area like the latter, such as being a better parent, identify some aspects of better parenting that are measurable. Perhaps spending 20 minutes each day in an activity that your child selects would be appropriate.
Achievable: There's an art to goal setting that revolves around the goal's difficulty. A goal too easy is not energizing. A goal too difficult seems hopeless. Both too easy and too difficult are goal setting no-no's. Set the level of challenge somewhere in between. A good way to decide that a goal is achievable but challenging is to visualize yourself reaching the goal. Can you see yourself there? Are you energized by seeing the vision? If both of these are not present, revisit your goal.
Realistic: Do you have the knowledge, skill set, and competency to reach your goal? If your goal involves weight loss, do you know all you should know about nutrition, calorie content, and metabolism to achieve your goal? If not, perhaps your first goal should be to gather this information.
Time: Setting a deadline provides necessary positive tension to give you the energy to get on with it. The time frame you select should be realistic. Losing twenty pounds in twenty weeks is realistic, whereas losing it in five weeks is not only unrealistic but unhealthy.
The SMART technique of goal setting is especially in favor in business because it is a measurable process for performance appraisal, but SMART isn't so smart for everyone. SMART is essentially a left-brain tool, being easily analyzed, logical and linear.
Request your free Fundamentals of Successful Goal Setting Workbook for a ten page, comprehensive workbook combining the best features of SMART with the creative power of your right-brain.
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Jerry Lopper - IPPA member, business and engineering degrees. Jerry's passion for personal development shows in 5 books, hundreds of articles & ...
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