Everyone has goals. We may have relationship goals, skill goals, travel goals, money goals, success goals, and even education goals. We all want to achieve something at some level. The difference between wanting and accomplishing your objective is having S.M.A.R.T goals. SPECIFIC. MEASURABLE. ACHIEVABLE. REALISTIC. TIMELY. These 5 components transform WANT to ACCOMPLISHED.
GOAL: I want get rich!
S.M.A.R.T. goal: I will save 10% of my monthly income for 1 year to finance my initial investment for my day trading account.
Notice the difference? The first sounds good but has no outline or structure of WHAT, HOW, WHEN or WHERE! The 2nd gives a plan, a timetable, the purpose, and expected results!
SPECIFIC – Clearly define what is that you want. Choose your goal. Be particular and pinpoint accurate.
MEASURABLE – You should be able to track your progression. Set markers, checkpoints, and allotments. In business these are referred to as Key Performance Indicators or KPI.
ACHIEVABLE – Have incremental steps to build up to your target. It is extremely important to add in smaller goal targets to be reached. This builds on the Measurable point. As you accomplish minor goals, you can see your progress toward the ultimate achievement. Graduated successes build confidence in reaching the finish line.
REALISTIC – Your target should be challenging but within reach with appropriate effort. This requires an assessment of where you are and what you can reasonably accomplish based on time, resources, and invested effort.
TIMELY – Impose a schedule on your progress. Create a sense of urgency. This will encourage you to keep moving forward consistently as time waits for no one. Mark it on a calendar with reminders. Share it with a trusted friend or family member to keep you focused.
S.M.A.R.T goals will challenge you and stretch your capabilities. They should not discourage but rather inspire. Each step will build you up, not break you. Take a look at your goals. Re-write them as S.M.A.R.T goals. Begin implementing the changes and stick to your program. You find yourself moving forward and accomplishing all you have set out to do. And then….you make new S.M.A.R.T. goals to take on the next challenge!
LEARN. GROW. ADAPT. EVOLVE.
– CB