SMART Goals - Your Way Of Achieving What You Want

SMART goals - a very popular way of goal setting , or so we are told. And it does work. But what do we understand of the process. How does it work? What happens if we leave a step out? Is this the answer to our 'goals' prayer?

What is this method of goal setting?

SMART is a popular way of looking at setting goals. To give clarity to our thoughts and direction to our efforts. Follow this SMART goals method and you'll be well on your way to setting goals that really do mean something to you, that you can go for with confidence and conviction, and that you can achieve. And your part of the bargain - give focus, effort and action and you can achieve that which you would like to achieve.

SMART stands for

1. Specific
2. Measurable
3. Attainable
4. Realistic
5. Timely

Pretty good, eh? I wonder who thought of SMART goals - definitely an inspired moment . . .

My approach . . . ?

I have thought long and hard how to present some original material about this popular and well covered subject. As with other pages on this website, I did not wish to just copy what others have said or written, but rather come up with an interesting, informative yet (in this case an) analytical approach.

So rather than having one page for the whole SMART goals 'method' I intend to offer

• five pages - one webpage for each step AND . . .
• And another page looking at how this approach could be extended even further. There will be links between the pages for easy navigation
• AND another page where you can share your goal setting experiences and tips with other site visitors

And the content will look at what we can really learn, and put into practice, with this shrewd and canny approach to setting goals. Goal setting is good for us and an essential element in a productive and satisfying life.

Better understanding of the process can only lead to us setting clearer and more relevant goals, and then putting in the effort to achieving them - which is the point of the exercise.

The process

As with anything, knowing the process is one thing. Carrying it out is another. Putting that effort in when we really would rather be doing something else is one of the secrets of success - yet really no secret is it? This can range from performing a simple task at one end of the spectrum, and a difficult and unyielding challenge at the other.

Knowing what we want

This is the real step. Know what you want. If you don't have a clue, then how will any method or approach help you and could indeed become more of a hindrance than a help.

Know what you want and SMART goal setting can help you get there, reach your goal, take the prize. But you do have to know what you want.

At times this is easy. Your kettle is broken. You need a cup of tea. You have to use a saucepan to boil the water. Time to buy a new kettle. How can any method help with this little challenge?

How can SMART goal setting help you buy your kettle?

1. specific - you need a kettle - but which one, what should it do, how many cups do you need to fill at any one time - a few decisions to start with
2. measurable - your goal is to buy a kettle, mapping progress should be an easy task
3. attainable - easy this one, if you have the money then yes you can buy your kettle
4. realistic - certainly a kettle is part of anyone's basic kitchen requirements
5. timely - of course, old kettle broken, saucepan water boiling a pain, so buy a new kettle

Yet you still don't have your kettle, do you? We know we need it. We can see what the task is and it feels good and right - and in a SMART way, but . . .

We still have to go out and source it and purchase it and put it into action in our kitchen.

Not rocket science

So nothing there is beyond any of us. But we do have to put the effort in and put our planning to good effect. We do have to make some decisions. And how easy does that come to us in our full and busy lives?

Yes we can do this. We can use our intelligence and perform. And achieve more than we thought we could with a little application, with a little effort. With focus and dedication, with determination and commitment - what can not be achieved?

One step at a time

Small steps breed success and instill confidence. Hard to get into the process? Then start small and work you way up. No point putting a huge hurdle in front of you to start with, is there?

Set little tasks and plan to achieve them. Tnen reset the next task.

Reset is one of the keys

SMART goals and well planned goal setting will take you so far. Then you have to put the effort in. But once you've achieved your goal what should you do?

Have a rest - maybe. Congratulate yourself - perhaps. Reassess and move on. And when the next hurdle arrives - tackle that with renewed energy and fortitude. And all in the knowledge that having achieved one thing you CAN achieve more.

Give yourself that break. Believe. Plan. Decide. Act. Achieve.

Go chase your dreams and goals.

SMART stands for

1. Specific
2. Measurable
3. Attainable
4. Realistic
5. Timely

follow the links to find out more about this approach to goal setting and how it can change your life.