How to Create S.M.A.R.T. Goals

We all have goals – goals to become more politically active, a goal to reach 1 million fans on Facebook, and of course the constant goal to lose “just ten pounds”.  Have you noticed when you set your goals, they don’t really get accomplished?  And if for some reason your goals are getting accomplished it’s because everything (by the grace of God) just fell into place? Sounds like my life.  I get excited, passionate, make all these great goals, and then slowly let things fade out.  And I know I’m not alone here, people!

Let’s break down this goal setting business and talk about how to make S.M.A.R.T.  goals.

First, it is important to set goals that are based on your values, beliefs, and interests.  Goals are not the same as wishes and dreams.  Goals are objectives that you are willing to work hard to achieve.  If you are passionate and willing to work to make a change, then it’s worth taking time to create a S.M.A.R.T. goal!

We need to realize that goals do not occur in isolation- meaning, when you set one goal, there are many other goals that are connected to accomplishing the goal.  For this reason you must make sure that your goals do not clash.  Will perusing one of your goals pull you away from completing your main goal?  It is important to specify what needs to be accomplished and how to accomplish it in the most effective steps.

Now that we have an idea as to what we want to achieve, let’s make sure our goals are S.M.A.R.T ones.  By  S.M.A.R.T. – I mean:

• S = Specific
• M = Measurable
• A = Attainable
• R = Relevant
• T = Timely

Specific

Your goal should be thorough and unambiguous.  When you set goals that are vague, it is hard to see progress.  How will you know when you reach your goal?  To make sure that your goal is specific write down the what, why, and how of the objective you wish to accomplish.

• What is the goal I wish to accomplish?
• Why is this goal important to me?
• How am I going to accomplish this goal?

Example- It is my goal to create a like-minded group in my city of Kansas City to discuss how to hold our elected officials accountable.

Measurable

We have all heard the saying, “If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.”  What good is a goal if you can’t measure it?  It’s hard to stay motivated to complete your goal when there is nothing to indicate progress.  Therefore, make sure your goal has a number associated with your intent to help you see the process you have made and let you know when you have reached your target.

Example- It is my goal to create a like-minded group in my city of Kansas City, which will consist of at least 100 members.  In this group we will discuss how to hold our elected officials accountable.

Attainable

As I said before, goals are not the same as wishes and dreams.  Your goal needs to be not only desirable, but realistic, and reachable.  Goals that are set too high or too low become meaningless, and are soon forgotten.  For this reason, reach a little above your comfort zone, but make sure it is a realistic stretch.  Sit down and have an honest conversation with yourself (maybe not out loud) to see if you have the commitment and ability to make your goal a reality.

Unattainable Example- It is my goal to create a like-minded group in my small town, which will consist of at least 10,000 members.

Relevant

Normally, in the S.M.A.R.T. acronym the ‘R’ stands for realistic, but I think that relevance is pretty darn important, too.  What is the point of setting a goal if it’s not relevant?  Why coordinate a like-minded group to discuss something that occurred in politics 50 years ago?  People want to be a part of something where they can make an impact that matters.

Timely

Print a few calendars and create a time frame for your goal.  By placing an ending point on your goal you have a permanent date to work toward.  Without a time limit there is no sense of urgency and no reason to put your passion into action.

Example- It is my goal to create a like-minded group in my city of Kansas City, which will consist of at least 100 members by the 2010 November General Election.  In this group we will discuss holding our elected officials accountable.

Setting a goal is more than picking out something to do.  Setting a goal is deciding to attack an objective that will take up your time, energy, and possibly your money.  Now that you have your S.M.A.R.T. goal set, let it marinate for a day.  Make sure this is THE GOAL you want to achieve and that you are willing to make it happen.  In my next blog I will discuss how to effectively put your plan into action.