Every new year, I’m filled with hope and determination as I make my resolutions for the year. I have a sense of optimism that this year will be the year I accomplish my resolutions. And every year my resolutions last about a week if I’m lucky. I’m left with regret and a sense of stress when it is year end and I have failed to accomplish my resolutions. So this year I’ve decided to create SMART goals instead of resolutions and have probed a little deeper into goal setting.
A goal is a personal objective, something you want to achieve within a specific time. Whilst goal setting is a process used to clarify what you want from your life and career presented as a series of goals.
Setting goals are important because:
- It gives you long-term vision and short-term motivation.
- It creates focus on the task at hand.
- It assists in organising your time and resources so you can make the most of your life.
- By setting sharp, clearly defined goals, you can measure and take pride in the achievement of those goals.
A useful method to create goals is the SMART method.
- S – Specific
Goals should be specific of significant. State exactly what you want to achieve. Your goal should answer the who, what, when and where?
- M – Measurable
Establish clear definitions to help you measure if you are reaching your goals. How will you demonstrate and evaluate the content to which the goal has been met?
- A – Attainable
Describe your goals using action verbs and outline the exact steps you will take to accomplish your goal.
- R – Relevant
Is your goal relevant? How does the goal tie into your key responsibilities? How is it aligned to the objectives?
- T – Time bound
Set one or more target dates to guide your goal to successful and timely completion.
Most people make mistakes in goal setting by having too many goals that are too big and not specific. So as you go into the new year take some time to think of your SMART goals, write them down and work towards them.You will improve your self-confidence, as you recognise your own ability and competence in achieving the goals that you have set.
Contact The Learning Avenue for more information on our Goal Setting and Time Management Online Course.
