Are they S.M.A.R.T. goals?
I just found out what S.M.A.R.T. goals are. And I think it's a genius concept! So I am sharing my discovery with you. (Disclaimer: I did not come up with this.)
Ok, now let's break it down...
SPECIFIC For example, "lose weight" is too vague. How much weight do you want to lose? When are you going to start? What program will you be following?
MEASURABLE There must be a logical system for measuring your goal. (See above weight loss goal.) Since I'm a first grade teacher, I can help you out with measurement. ;) Time, pounds, height, miles, etc. How will you know when your goal is accomplished?
ATTAINABLE You need to be willing and able to make that happen. For example, you probably couldn't, nor should you, lose 100 lbs. in 1 month. Not. Gonna. Happen. You have to be realistic. I am not going to make $100,000 this month. Of course, I would love to. It fits the first two parameters, but it is not attainable...unless I win the lottery(!).
RELEVANT You have to choose goals that matter to YOU. If it doesn't matter to you, why would it be your goal?
TIME-BOUND You must set a target date to reach your goal. Making a commitment to a deadline helps focus. Goals are just dreams with deadlines! This is one of the main reasons I need a plan for my fitness. When I have no plan, I make no progress. Deadlines make things happen.
I'd love to know - what are your dreams with deadlines?
Have you been "smart" about setting them?
Realistic and attainable are important. It is so hard to stay motivated when you have set yourself up for a goal impossible to attain and having a friend or support helps too.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree Erinn! It is extremely important who you surround yourself with!
ReplyDeleteSMART goals have been a huge push in teaching over the last decade so I try to make my running goals SMART too, but with my goal of getting over injury this year it is a bit harder.
ReplyDeleteSetting smart goals is the way to go for most people. I am an avid user of writing my goals down somewhere that I can see them everyday. Usually goals that I am highly passionate about are much easier than something I am not so passionate about.
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