Tips to Set Smart Goals

Do you ever feel like you are working hard but spinning your wheels and not accomplishing much? Would you like to do some amazing things with your life, but you don't know how to get started?

Many of us spend our lives drifting from one job to another and feel like we are running on a hamster wheel. However, if we use a tried and true method of setting goals and mapping out how we will accomplish the things we only dream about we can actually create the life we want. By setting goals and having a plan they will be more achievable than simply wishing this or wishing that. Ever do that by the way, wish something but that is as far as it goes? I think many of us can relate and then time gets away from us and we wonder what happened.

Studies show 92% of people who make New Year's resolutions don't keep them. Only 8% of people actually accomplish their goal. We further note, if Goals are done in writing, we are 50% more likely achieve them.

We are turning a corner and into a new year. I would encourage you to think about setting goals for yourself. You can look back next year and see what you achieved. Wouldn't it be awesome to see some accomplishments? What would you like to accomplish, learn or do? Doing so adds purpose and motivation to our lives. Dream a little!

So where do you begin?

Set Goals that motivate you and interest you. If you do not have interest in your goal, chances are you won't want to accomplish it. Motivation is a key component. You need to be motivated to get started and keep going. Start by brainstorming what you would like to accomplish this year and then pick a few to focus your attention on.

Goals need to be in writing. Gather paper, notebook, planner, computer, etc., to document your goals. For those of you who like color and creativity, see my article on How to use Creativity in Goal Setting.

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Smart Goals

A method for achieving goals is called SMART Goals. The word is an acronym to help you remember the steps. See diagram below.

S M A R T Goals

• Specific- make goals as specific as possible so you will know where you are going.

• Measurable- make goals measurable, with dates or other information so you will be able to evaluate how you are doing.

• Attainable- make goals attainable. If you set small short term goals you are more likely to be able to achieve them.

• Relevant- keep goals relevant to the direction you want to go. Make sure they are in line with what you desire.

• Time Bound- Set a deadline for your goals so you will work toward achieving them and have an end goal in mind.

Goal Setting Examples

I have set some goals for myself, so I will share with you real examples from my life.

S- specific goal

Be sure to make it specific: ie. I want to lose weight). What amount: 2 pounds, 100 pounds, 20 pounds?

1. I will read the entire Bible this year.

2. I will begin learning to crochet and make a blanket.

3. I will develop note cards to sell in my Etsy Shop.

4. I will loose 12 pounds.

Now let's look at measurability.

M-measurable goal

The goal needs to be measurable with amounts or dates: ie, I will make woodworking projects. This is vague. Instead say, I will make 4 woodworking projects by a certain date. It would be even better to name what the projects are.

1. I will read the Bible Daily.

2. I will start learning to Crochet in January and make a blanket.

3. I will learn how to make cards and research printing companies for price quotes.

4. I will lose 4 pounds a month.

A-attainable goal

Do I have the resources to accomplish this goal. How realistic is the goal? ie, I want to lose 50 pounds this month. For most of us this is not realistic. I will lose 2 pound a week would be better.

Do you have a resources to build 4 wood projects? If you don't how will accomplish your goal?

1. I will follow a daily reading plan outlined in my Intouch devotional guide for reading the Bible in a year.

2. I will take Michael's classes on crocheting January 11,12,19. If I need further help, I will watch Crafty or Creativebug classes.

3. I will take the skillshare Photoshop class I have started and finish it. I will learn to make cards from photographs I have taken. I will research printing.

4. I will use Myfitnesspal app to record my food intake and cut current caloric intake by 500 calories a day. I will walk for exercise 30-45 minutes at least 4 times a week.

R-relevant or Realistic

You want to make sure the goals are in line with the direction you want to go and are realistic for you.

If you say you will make 4 woodworking projects by a certain date, but you do not have the equipment or money needed, it will be challenging to accomplish this. Or if you have no real desire to lose weight, you will probably not be motivated to do the steps. Identify any barriers you might have and then decide if your goal is realistic.

1. I have a desire to read the Bible from cover to cover in a year. I will read daily so I do not get overwhelmed by having to read a lot at once to meet my goal.

2. I desire to learn crocheting and will practice after my classes.

3. I will start working in skillshare to learn cardmaking starting in March. My class is bookmarked while I work on other projects.

4. I will cut calories and exercise more. I will also check with my specialist to discuss my medication at my appt. in January. (I had my thyroid removed and take medicine to regulate). I may need a med adjustment.

T-timebound

Set a date for completion with small short term deadlines. By doing so, it will encourage you when you meet your short-term goal creating momentum. But what if you don't meet your goal? Don't sweat it. Evaluate what prevented you from meeting your goal and problem solve the barriers. Maybe something unexpected happened and you couldn't complete your goals. If so, decide if what you set as a goal is still desirable and then get going on it again. If it isn't desirable any more, then take it off the list and don't give it another thought. So what? We are constantly changing and growing and sometimes we try something and find out we didn't like it or desire it after all. It really isn't a big deal, just move on.

1. I will complete my reading of the Bible by December 31.

2. I will make and finish my first crochet product by February 28th.

3. I will have this project done by June 1st. (Learning to make cards in photoshop, researching printing companies and making some cards to sell.)

4. I will lose 4 pounds by January 31st. (short-term realistic goal). I will lose 12 pounds by June 1st.

Resources

There are plenty of great resources out there to help you with your planning. You could use them or just take a pencil and paper to set goals. They don't have to be fancy, but if you need a tool to plan, I would be happy to send you my SMART Goal Planning Sheet, 12-Month Project Planner Sheet and Today's To Do List, for free. Just sign up on the form below. As a bonus, I will also, include a Project Scheduler and Project Planner geared toward Men and a Kids Chore Chart. You will receive 6 PDF documents to download. To receive these, let me know by requesting them below.

Teach your children goal setting. Grab free chore chart to help them start.

Click here and ask for the Goal Setting freebies!