[aageneral] Set SMART Goals

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Article Title: Set SMART Goals
Author Name: Kathy Gates
Email Address: kathy@reallifecoach.com
Format: 65 hard return, 462 word count
Copyright Date: 2005
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Set SMART Goals
Kathy Gates, Professional Life Coach
www.reallifecoach.com

Goal setting is a skill -- a skill learned like any other, such
as playing the piano, balancing a checkbook, or how to study.
It’s not something that a few lucky people were born with.

Why is goal setting important anyway? Studies show that while
less than 3% of people write their goals down and follow a plan,
those same 3% accomplish more than all the other put together.
WOW!

Don’t you want to be part of that 3% who’s actually accomplishing
their goals? Then make sure your goals are SMART.

S – Specific:
You’ve probably all heard how important it is to have a very
specific goal. Do you know why? A specific goal has a much
better chance of being accomplished than a vague/general goal.
Why again? Because frustration and confusion can be created when
it’s difficult to tell whether you’re really on the right track.
Instead you know your headed toward something specific, like
Milwaukee, instead of just “north”.

M – Motivational/Meaningful:
In order to succeed with a goal, it has to have a certain
emotional power to excite you enough to let you be willing to
spend the time and effort necessary to achieve it. Are you
excited by your goal? What’s your motive? What’s your
motivation?

A – Acceptable:
Is this something that you want for yourself? Do you accept this
goal and the effort and time it will require of you? Are you
willing and able to work towards this goal? A goal is acceptable
to you when you feel comfortable with it, and believe that you
can accomplish it.

R – Realistic/Real To Me:
Is the goal realistic for you? Is it real to you? Can you see
yourself in the future when the goal is reached? What do you
look like, what are you doing, where are you doing it? Your goal
has to be something you can visualize yourself doing. If you
can't imagine it, you won’t do it.

T – Trackable/Target Date:
A goal must have a target date to be motivating and to help you
focus. A deadline too far in the future is subject to “Someday
Island” – a place you’ll never get. But a goal that’s too tight,
too confining is discouraging. Set your target date based on
small milestones, like how many classes you need to take for
training, or losing 1 pound per week. Don’t set yourself up for
frustration and therefore set yourself up to fail.

It’s important to notice how all of these loop back into each
other. The T for Target Date also needs to Realistic and
Motivational. The S for Specific must relate to what’s
Acceptable and Realistic to you. Use them all in conjunction
with each other, and you’ll be more likely to move forward on
your goals.
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Professional Life Coach Kathy Gates specializes in helping people
who are ready to create a simpler, less stressful, more joyful
and meaningful lifestyle. Get information on her programs and
services at www.reallifecoach.com .

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