Make SMART Goals

Making goals can be daunting. Frequently, goals are made with enthusiasm and good intentions. Yet goals are broken again and again, causing less interest with each attempted failure. In order to maximize the results of your next attempt, make sure your goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Realistic, and has a Time Frame.

Specific

Determine exactly what you want to accomplish. If it’s a larger task, break it into smaller items. For instance, if you want to do a big purge and cleaning effort before moving households, break it down by room or type of item (like all of the books) to make it more manageable.

Measurable

Make clear definitions so you can measure your efforts. If you give up sugar, for example, does this refer to traditional desserts or does this also include honey in your tea? Make sure you’re clear on your definition so you can be clear on which path leads to success.

Action-Oriented

Determine a plan and use action verbs to outline the steps to achieve your goal. “Eat well” is a great start, but “cooking a plant-based meal twice a week” or “shop and meal prep on Sunday for the week’s lunches” is easier to follow towards success.

Realistic

Be sure your goal is something you will be able to accomplish. Why do you want to exercise more? What do you gain from that goal? What do you sacrifice if you don’t achieve that goal? Also think about obstacles and how to overcome them. If you miss a morning workout, have a plan B for an evening walk that same day.

Time frame

Set a start and finish date. Set aside specific times to work towards your goal. While there is never a *perfect* time, we can bolster wins by keeping a schedule to chip away at the goals consistently and at a reasonable pace.

We have all set goals that slip away from us despite our original intentions. If you remember to make SMART goals, you can set yourself up for improved success. Use a life coach for added accountability and to help you identify and overcome obstacles that may hinder your progress. Book a free consult today to see if life coaching might help you better reach your goals.