Make SMART Goals SMARTER
Make Your S.M.A.R.T Goals S.M.A.R.T.E.R.
We’ve all heard about setting SMART goals right? Specific Measurable Action-oriented, Realistic and Time-bound?
Everyone who knows me would probably tell you that I am a goal-oriented person. I have been my whole life.
I’ve made SMART goals time and time again. Recently though, I discovered two ways to make them SMARTER and that’s what I want to share with you right now.
Research shows us goals that are evaluated and that have a reason or purpose are much more likely to be achieved.
So, to make your SMART goals SMARTER, add Evaluated and Reason-Driven to the list.
Evaluated
Here’s what I mean by EVALUATED:
An evaluated goal is one with which you periodically check in and see how you’re doing.
Things you might ask include:
- What challenges have I had with working on this goal?
- What have I accomplished so far? Here’s a tip: Celebrate what you have done. You’re more likely to keep going J
- Also ask: What do I need to change or modify?
- How can I do better?
Set a specific time (twice a month, each Sundays before the start of a new week, etc) of when you’ll SCORE yourself essentially on how you’re doing. Make whatever adjustments might help you better accomplish the goal or whatever changes might help it align even better with what you are really wanting.
Reason-Driven
Here’s what I mean by REASON-DRIVEN:
Say your goal is to be a better public speaker.
Great! Why?
Are you setting this goal for a vague reason like because you think “I need to be better at it?” or “because it will help me?”, or is it because you need to make a pitch in front of the board which could be a multi-million dollar conversation? Because you want to finish first in your sales division and to do that, you have to be more comfortable speaking in front of others? Or is it because your daughter is getting married and you’ve been asked to make the toast?
When you are clear about the REASON for your goals, you’ll be much more likely to take whatever classes you need, hire a coach to help you, put in the time and energy to prepare and practice before getting up in front of people, etc.
S.M.A.R.T.E.R. Goals
So, make your goals SMARTER – Specific, Measureable, Action-oriented, Realistic, Time-bound, EVALUATED and REASON-DRIVEN and you’ll be much more likely to achieve what you want.
