Get S.M.A.R.T!:5 Steps to Successful Goal Setting

What is the definition of a goal? Simply put, goals are dreams or visions we have for the future, near or far, that we put a plan to. When we identify the steps we need to make our dreams or visions a reality, we have created a goal. There are many different types of goals , however, most can be categorized as follows:

• Approach Goals- These involve our desire to move towards something new, such as learning to play the violin.

• Avoidance Goals- These involve bringing something to an end, such as quitting a bad habit.

• Finite Goals: These goals have an end point in mind, such as getting into college.

• Continuous Goals: These usually describe a shift in lifestyle, such as becoming more organized.

• Task-based Goals: These involve filling up chunks of time with an activity, such as writing a paper.

• Habit-based Goals: These focus on carrying out small, repetitive tasks at certain times, such as drinking more water.

• Decision-based Goals: These require making consistently motivated decisions. Most all fall under this category.

So how do we go about choosing which goals are important to us? We get S.M.A.R.T. by having our goals be:

Specific-The more detailed your goals are, the more likely you are to achieve them.

• What will you see, hear, feel when you achieve this goal?

• What do you need to do or not do for your goal to become reality?

• Where, when, and how will you work towards achieving this goal?

Measurable- How will you keep track of your progress?

• How will you identify the progress you make?

• What will you do more or less of?

• What milestones will you need to reach?

• What habits do you need to establish or let go of?

Attainable- How will you accomplish your goal?

• How much time will you need?

• Do you need certain equipment or space?

• Will you need help from others?

Relevant-Will this goal allow you to learn new skills and bring rewards to your life?

Time-Based- Set realistic deadlines to achieve and complete your goal.

When you take the time to set clear goals, write them down, and share them with others, you greatly increase the likelihood of achieving your goals and making your dreams come true.

“You gotta have a dream; if you don’t have a dream, how you gonna make a dream come true?”

“Happy Talk”, Rogers and Hammerstein