Nail that Goal
A SMART Exercise
We don’t have to remind you that you have a ton of goals and objectives to reach, deliverables to manage, a business to launch, and a personal life to enjoy along the way. Taking time to step back and define your goals, clearly, concisely, and with purpose is a necessary discipline to get through it now. Then, routinely reviewing progress and identifying new goals and objectives going forward is a winning strategy.
It’s relatively easy to state a goal. Thinking through that goal completely is a little tougher, but critical step to achieving it. Try your hand at smart goal-setting, identifying obstacles to overcome, and building in energy boosters to stay on track. Pick one big goal to work with in Part 1. Then, proceed with Part 2 for a description of SMART and guidance to write successful goals.
Part 1: Write your goal here: ___________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ to achieve by _______________________
What motivates this goal | |
WHY I want this goal
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List ALL the benefits of achieving your goal here |
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The BIG benefit of achieving the goal |
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What is the PAIN of not achieving your goal? |
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Achieving this goal will also help me in other areas . . . . |
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What obstacles, or secondary pains, could derail you | |
I need to be aware that the BENEFIT to me of NOT completing my goals is |
Note: It’s ESSENTIAL that you have some answers in this box |
Other obstacles to my success include: |
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What goal levels are set (your goal could vary by time, quantity, quality) | |
MINIMUM Goal |
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TARGET Goal |
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EXTRAordinary Goal |
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Part 2: Make your goals SMART. They are:
1) Stated in the POSITIVE. We tend to get what we focus on. Whenever we say “I want to stop procrastinating about exercise” our brain has to first build a picture of what we DON’T want – stressed out, overweight person – in order not to do it. Try NOT thinking of an alligator biting your toe…
EXAMPLES
- “I exercise 20 minutes every day” rather than “I want to stop procrastinating about exercise.”
- “I use smart goal setting every quarter and achieve my goals” rather than “I want to stop failing at goal setting.”
2) Stated in the PRESENT TENSE. This helps the brain assume you will be successful!
EXAMPLE
- On September 30, I have my goals for next quarter/a business plan/ a sales manager/am running a mile in 8 minutes
3) Use the Acronym “SMART”
- Specific (the more specific you are the easier your goal is to achieve)
- Measurable (so you know when you have achieved it)
- Action-oriented (you can DO something about it! Is it within your control? Winning the lottery is not a “SMART” goal)
- Realistic (Goals need to be both challenging to inspire you AND realistic so you set yourself up for success)
- Time-Bound (has a deadline)
For maximum success, ENVISION YOUR GOAL:
Describe a day in your life once this goal is completed.
Imagine first waking up, describe how you feel. Then, think about what you see and hear and physically feel. Fully describe your day now this goal is completed. Who are you? Where are you? What’s important to you now?
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FINALLY, remember that goals are there to INSPIRE you, not to grade or criticize you!