Make Your Goals Positive and SMART
Make Your Goals Positive Statements:
It took me a long time to figure out that having a lot of goals at the same time doesn’t necessarily make you more productive. So, once I figured out how many (depending on the size and longevity of them) I could successfully handle, I had to learn how to state my goals. Goal statements can be the difference between success and failure. We don’t really take into account the importance of statement structure. Once you figure out which goals are truly important to you, they should be written as positive action statements. They should be worded in a way that motivates you just by saying them. State what you are going to do, not what you are going to stop doing. For instance, instead of saying “quit smoking,” say “live a smoke-free life.”
Make Your Goals SMART Statements:
Your goal statement should also include the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely) criteria. Your goal statement should also include the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely) criteria.
Specific: Make the goal statement specific so there is no room for interpretation. What specifically do you want to achieve? If your goal is to “run in a race”, and your goal statement is “run”, then your goal may have a different meaning.
Measurable: Include tangible measurement criteria in your statement. This will help you manage your goal and track your progress. If your goal is to “run in a 5K race at a pace of 8-minute miles,” then state it.
Achievable: Make sure your goal is achievable. If you have never run a mile before, don’t plan to reach your 5K-race goal by next week. Break it down into smaller attainable steps, such as running one mile in 10 minutes by next week and two 9-minute miles in four weeks. Keep the goal within reach.
Realistic: Your goal must be realistic, otherwise you are setting yourself up for failure. If you set a plan to run everyday without any days off for your body to rest, you will not be able to reach your goal.
Timely: Finally, give yourself a timeframe for completing your goal. If you are going to run your 5K race six months from now, then state it. Give yourself enough time to accomplish the goal, but still keep it challenging so you won’t get bored.
Finished Goal Statement: Run a 5K Race for charity, pacing an 8-minute mile on July 15th, 2012.
Once you are finished writing your SMART goal statement, display it prominently so you will see it everyday. Now, you are ready to develop your action plan. If you get off-track or derailed, don’t beat yourself up or feel guilty. Remember, today is a new day, and you will find your way.
