Tony Robbins told us that setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible. Goal setting is linked to higher achievement but as with all things, there’s a way to set goals well so you actually achieve them.
When it comes to goal setting, most people think in terms of the end result. While it’s important to have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish, if you don’t set your goals in a SMART way, you may find yourself frustrated and disappointed.
In this article, we will teach you how to write smart goals – goals that are realistic and achievable, yet still challenging enough to motivate you.
What Are Smart Goals?
The SMART in SMART goals stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.
Using this acronym as a meter to measure your goals is a foolproof way to keep your goals attainable and specific. It helps you define your goals, keep them within a specific time frame, and keep you accountable.
How to Write Smart Goals
There are a few key steps to writing smart goals. First, you need to know what you want to achieve. This might seem like an obvious first step, but it’s important to be clear about your goals from the outset.
Next, your goals need to be specific. This means that you can’t just write “I want to be healthy” as a goal. You need to be clear about what “being healthy” looks like to you.
Your goals need to be measurable so that you can track your progress. This might mean setting a specific weight loss goal or committing to working out a certain number of times per week.
Achievable goals are ones that you can actually accomplish. This means setting goals that are realistically within your reach.
Your goals should also be relevant to your overall life and health goals. This ensures that your goals are something you actually want to achieve and are not just arbitrary numbers or milestones.
Finally, all goals should be given a specific time frame so that you can stay on track. Without a deadline, it’s easy to push your goals off indefinitely.
Now that you know the basics of writing smart goals, let’s look at some examples.
Examples of Smart Goals
To give you a better idea of how to write your own SMART goals, we’ve compiled a list of examples.
- I will lose 10 pounds by June 1st
- I will work out 3 times per week for 30 minutes each session
- I will eat a salad for lunch every day this week
- I will drink 8 glasses of water per day for the next month
- I will call my parents once a week for the next 3 months
As you can see, each of these goals is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
Remember, when you are setting your own goals, it’s important to be honest with yourself. If you set goals that are too easy, you will quickly become bored and unmotivated. Likewise, if you set goals that are impossible to achieve, you will likely become discouraged.
The best way to find the balance is to set goals that are challenging, yet still within your reach.
How to Achieve Your Smart Goals
Now that you know how to write SMART goals, it’s time to put them into action. Here are a few tips to help you achieve your smart goals.
1. Write Them Down
The first step to achieving any goal is to write it down. When you put your goals in writing, they become more real and tangible. You can also refer back to them often to ensure you are staying on track.
2. Make a Plan
Once you have your goals written down, it’s time to make a plan. Decide what steps you need to take to achieve your goal and put them into a timeline. This will help you stay on track and motivated.
3. Find an Accountability Partner
If you are struggling to stay on track, find someone who can hold you accountable. This might be a friend, family member, or even a professional coach.
4. Celebrate Your Victories
As you achieve your goals, it’s important to celebrate your victories. This will help you stay motivated and inspired to continue working towards your goals.
How Smart Goals Can Help Students
As a student, setting smart goals can help you stay on track and achieve success. Here are a few ways that smart goals can help you in your studies.
1. They Keep You Focused
When you have specific and measurable goals, it’s easier to stay focused on what you need to do. This can help you avoid distractions, and procrastination and increase your executive function. See more here to learn how.
2. They Help You Prioritize
Setting smart goals can also help you prioritize your time and effort. This is especially important when you have multiple deadlines or projects due at the same time.
3. They Keep You Accountable
It can be easy to blow off studying or homework when there’s no one around to hold you accountable. However, if you have specific goals that you are working towards, you are more likely to stay on track.
4. They Help You Measure Your Progress
One of the best things about smart goals is that you can easily measure your progress. This allows you to see how far you’ve come and gives you a sense of accomplishment.
5. They Encourage You to Keep Going
When you hit a goal, it’s a great feeling. This can encourage you to keep going and achieve even more.
Achieve Greatness with Smart Goals
If you want to achieve success in any area of your life, setting smart goals is a great place to start. By taking the time to learn how to write smart goals and make a plan of action, you’ll be well on your way to achieving them. Remember, the sky’s the limit!
Keep reading this blog to learn more ways to live your best life.