Goals often start out as vague statements, but experts recommend that we make better goals by using the SMART technique. I'll use one of my current goals -- practice yoga every weekend -- to show how to use the SMART method when setting your goals.
S– specific. A good goal is very specific. "Practice yoga more" isn't very specific. How much more do I want to practice? Does it have to be a class, or is a podcast OK? Since my weekends are wide open and I'm always rushing to squeeze in yoga during the week, I decided to go with "take at least one yoga class each weekend (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday)" for my goal.
M– measurable. There has to be some way to measure your goal to prove you’ve attained it. Goals that involve some kind of definite quantity (X times per week, X times per month) are great. I put every yoga class I take on my calendar so at the end of the month, I can look back and see how often I went.
A– attainable. You want your goals to be challenging, but you should truly believe you are capable of achieving them. It's OK if it feels like it might be hard -- easy goals just aren't motivating -- but they shouldn't be so hard you get frustrated and just give up. Doing yoga at 6 AM every single weekend day? Totally not attainable for me right now. But once each weekend feels just right.
R– relevant. If your goal isn't important to you and your interests, you won't care enough to stick with it, so think about why you're making the goal. I want to practice yoga on the weekend regularly because it will keep me active on otherwise lazy days, and because I have more free time and won't have to rush to or from class.
T– time-bound. Give yourself a deadline. It’s OK if it’s near or far; it just needs to fit the goal. A deadline gives you a little bit of urgency so you're motivated to take action right away. I ended up with “Practice yoga at least one weekend day each month in April." On May 1st, I'll see how I did for April and then set new goals for the new month.
Now that you know the SMART way to make goals, it's time to set a goal. Even if it’s small. Even if it’s crazy and barely attainable. Even if everyone around you says you can't pull it off. Making a goal is quite often the first step to getting what you really want.
What are your goals and what are you doing (or planning to do) to achieve them?
- Rachel
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