From Dreaming To Doing

When you recognize that you need to make a change in your life, that's great!! Congratulations, now what? We often get stuck knowing a change is needed but feel uncertain about how to go about it. Let me introduce you to S.M.A.R.T. goals! It’s a powerful framework that helps you set clear, achievable goals, making the path toward your desired change much more attainable. Let’s break down what each letter of S.M.A.R.T. stands for and how it can help guide you in creating effective goals.

S: Specific

Your goal should be clear and specific, so you know exactly what you're aiming for. A vague goal like "I want to be healthier" can be overwhelming. Instead, try specifying exactly what you want to accomplish. For example, “I want to exercise for 30 minutes a day, five times a week,” is much more focused and provides direction. When your goal is specific, it’s easier to focus your efforts and track your progress.

M: Measurable

A goal without a way to measure progress is like trying to navigate without a map. You need to track your progress so you can stay motivated. For example, in the previous case, you could measure your success by tracking the number of workouts completed each week. This creates accountability and helps you recognize small victories along the way.

A: Achievable

It’s important that your goal is realistic and attainable within your current circumstances. Setting a goal that’s too ambitious can lead to frustration and burnout. For example, if you’ve never exercised regularly, committing to an hour of intense workout every day might be overwhelming. Instead, set a more achievable goal like "start with 30-minute workouts, three times a week," and build from there.

R: Relevant

Ensure that your goal aligns with your life objectives and values. A goal that isn’t relevant to you may lack motivation. Ask yourself, “Is this goal important to me right now? Does it contribute to my broader aspirations or long-term vision?” If your goal isn’t connected to your core values or needs, it might not provide the necessary drive to stay on track.

T: Time-bound

Every goal needs a timeframe. Without one, it's easy to procrastinate or lose focus. By setting a specific timeline, you create a sense of urgency and motivation. For example, "I will achieve my goal of exercising for 30 minutes a day, five times a week, within the next 3 months." This gives you a clear window in which to achieve your goal and helps you stay focused on taking consistent action. 

Keep Going: The Next Step After Achieving Your Goal Achieving a goal is a huge accomplishment and you should celebrate it! But don’t stop there. Once you reach one milestone, think about the next step. Push yourself further. Growth doesn’t stop at the finish line. Set new goals to challenge yourself, whether it’s increasing the intensity of your workouts or trying a new skill. Continuous growth is where true transformation happens. Remember, the journey is ongoing, and there's always room for more success.

By following the S.M.A.R.T. goals framework, you can break down big, overwhelming changes into manageable, achievable steps. This method gives you better motivation, making your goals feel more attainable and creating a solid path to success. The key to success is not only setting the goal, but also being willing to put in the effort and take little steps to achieve it!