Get S.M.A.R.T.!

Before long, autumn will be upon us. In the northern Hemisphere autumn is easily recognizable by a spectacular display of vibrant colors as the changing weather heralds in the season of harvest. Here in Florida, the change from one season to the next is much more subtle – to say the least. I read somewhere that the only color changes you can expect to see in Florida are the ‘license plates.’

The onset of a new season signifies change. Change is an inevitable part of life or as the Greek philosopher Hippocrates put it, "The only permanent thing is change.” Our ability to welcome or accept change is an important ingredient when it comes to achieving our goals, as well as our capacity to grow and learn.

As the end of this year rapidly approaches, are the goals you had hoped to accomplish ‘right on target’ or like many people, are you scratching your head wondering, “where has another year gone?” As a Certified Life Purpose Coach I find that although most people start off with sincere intentions, very often good intentions fall by the wayside. Why? There’s an old adage: “Fail to plan, plan to fail.” Without a solid plan and strategic tools, your goals will often fail to materialize.

One of the many tools that I use in my practice - and one that you might find useful in helping you achieve your goals is called S.M.A.R.T. Goals:

Specific – Measurable- Achievable- Realistic - Time-limited

Specific – Your goal should be clearly defined. Have a specific date to accomplish it by and know what action you will need to take. An example would be the desire to be healthier. Is ‘healthier’ specific? Not really. A specific goal would be to join a health club and/or lose 12 lbs. When you are specific, your goal has a much better chance of being accomplished.

Measurable – Ask the question “How will I know when it is accomplished?” The number of times you plan to visit the Health club or how many pounds you plan on losing are measurable goals. Measuring your progress helps you to stay on track to reach your goal. “Wow, “I lost 3 lbs this week” – “I’m right on target!”

Attainable – It is wonderful to set high goals, but be realistic about them. Setting goals that are unrealistic can be very disempowering. Good example: “I will lose 12 lbs within 3 months.” Bad Example: “I will lose 12 lbs by next week.”

Realistic - To be realistic, you must believe it can be accomplished. Have you done anything similar in the past? What components are needed to reach your goal?

Time-limited – Without a time frame, your goal enters that nether land of ‘someday.’
Setting a specific end date prompts your unconscious mind to ‘get to work.’

Attaining your goals is easier than you think. The first step towards success is to know what you want (a Coach comes in handy here!). The second is making your goals SMART.