S.M.A.R.T. Goals
A new year, filled with resolutions, wishful thinking and the “new you”. The completely “new you” that works out 10 times a week, eats raw vegan and achieves every goal ever in the first month of the year.
Now, I know that not all people are like this, creating extreme goals that they will not be able to reach in a month. But more often than not, unrealistic goals are set, failed and given up on early on in the year. Often, these failures lead to lower confidence, avoidance and settling. How do we learn from this?
Well, we create a realistic plan. With steps that build-up to the major goal, detailed and time-bound. This may seem intimidating, to really break down what you truly want. But it's necessary to ultimately make a change.
Start with something small and manageable. A daily task that improves your everyday life, i.e. flossing every day, meal planning every week, exercising 30 minutes a day. But make sure this habit is something that leads to your goal. These habits build a stable foundation for your life. Which builds your life towards your goals.
The best way to start these steps is to write them out and follow the S.M.A.R.T. goals guide. Make sure each goal you aim for is specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Break down the details of each rule for your goal:
Specific: What do I want to accomplish? Why is it important? Who is involved? Where is it located? Which resources or limits are involved?
Measurable: How much? How many? How often? How will I know when it is accomplished?
Attainable: How can I accomplish this goal? How realistic is the goal, based on limitations, such as financial factors, resource availability?
Realistic: Does this goal seem worthwhile? Is this the right time? Am I the right person to reach this goal? Is it applicable in the current socio-economic environment? Does this goal match my lifestyle?
Time-bound: When? What can I do six months from now? What can I do six weeks from now? What can I do today? When should this goal be accomplished by? Does this goal have an expiration?
Now, go for it. Start at the beginning and push through all the setbacks and obstacles you prepared for. If you have a plan, nothing should be a surprise and your goal will be a success in no time.
