Goal Setting 2009 – How to Set S.M.A.R.T. Goals

soccer goalIt’s a fact that people and companies that set goals are more successful than those that don’t set them. You probably know the phrase: “you’ll fail if you fail to plan.” You achieve happiness and fulfillment when you make and accomplish your goals.

Michal Phelps (Olympic Gold Medalist for Swimming) often says the only way he attained his success was by believing in what he could achieve then working towards it by setting specific goals.

What are S.M.A.R.T. Goals?

These are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Results Oriented, and Time Specified.

Specific – your goals should be focused not broad and ambiguous. Eg I want to double my income this year.

Measurable – you should be able to see the steps needed to achieve your goal. e.g. I want to earn 120,000 by the end of the year.

Achievable – only set goals that you know and believe you can achieve. It should be challenging enough to motivate you but not so difficult that you’ll lose motivation.

Results Oriented – your goal should focus on the results not on the activity to get there. For example you can do a flurry of activities but not achieve the desired result.

Time Specified – create a deadline to achieve your goal. You can break them down into yearly, monthly, weekly and daily goals.

Here are some ideas for working towards the fulfillment of your goals:

  • Visualize or meditate on your main goal by creating a clear picture of it in your mind. For example if your goal is to purchase your dream house, take a photo of it, place it on the wall above your computer, and visualize it in your mind each day before you start work. This will keep you focused on the big picture as you work on the small steps to get there.
  • Have a clear purpose for achieving your goal. e.g. my dream house will be the place where my children or grandchildren will love to live or visit.
  • Balance your goals. Create spiritual, family, business, health, financial, educational and social goals that harmonize with each other.
  • Write down your goals. Keep them close to your computer so you can refer to them each day.
  • Share your goals with your friends. This will help make you accountable to them.
  • Focus on your goals several times a day. Ask yourself, “Is what I am doing right now helping me achieve one of my goals?” If the answer is no, stop what you are doing and do something that helps reach your goal.
  • Reward yourself when you’ve completed one of your goals.
  • Break down your large goals into smaller ones then write down the tasks you’ll accomplish each day that will move you towards attaining your small goals.
  • Be disciplined. Sometimes you may not be inspired or motivated on the tasks for the day. In these times you need to discipline yourself to “just do it.” For example in martial arts you keep repeating the basic moves to perfect the advanced ones. Even if it gets boring you “just do it” knowing that you are moving towards mastering the advanced styles.
    • Creating goals and achieving them will guarantee to bring you continuous happiness and prosperity.

      Make 2009 your best year ever!

Comments

  1. These are excellent guidelines! Setting SMART goals is a sure way to achieve success if you have the right attitude to complement your goals, go can’t go wrong…

  2. “I’ve been using Dax Moy’s MAGIC Hundred and it’s great! I’ve achieved more of my goals in the last 30 days than I did all last year. It’s simple, straightforward, easy to read and VERY easy to follow.

    You should check it out at http://www.themagichundred.com

    Thanks!

  3. I have been browsing throught your site. I find it very informative and very helpful. I can stay motivated just by reviewing my notes, it’s great because I come up with new ideas and staying motivated for my main goal. Great Post 🙂

  4. Goal setting is very important if you want something to be done in a short period of time.`,~

  5. Great post.

    The only thing I would add to this post is that goal-setters– no matter what field or occupation– must prepare themselves for the roadblocks and setbacks that inevitably happen during their journey.

    I’ve witnessed far too many people abandon their dreams and goals because they weren’t mentally prepared for that first setback.

    Alex Work
    YourGoalSetting.com

  6. goal setting is very important in business setting and also in any career that you choose*;;

  7. goal setting is sometimes difficult but it should always be done ,:;

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