Making a
SMART goal —
Specific,
Measurable,
Attainable,
Realistic and
Time-bound — is just the first step in making your goal a reality. It’s what you do after that can make or break your objective. Below are 10 essential steps to achieving your
SMART goals.
- Make sure your goal passes the SMART test. To the letter.
- Align your goals with your values. Without values alignment, you are likely to struggle —if not fail—to implement them.
- Share your goals with three to five key people to become more accountable. Don’t sabotage yourself: choose people who are supportive and positive.
- Identify the resources you need to make your goal happen. For example, if your goal is to develop a website for your business, you’ll need to find a designer.
- Identify ways to save time. Take only the short-cuts that can accelerate your progress and support your goal.
- Detect potential obstacles. From poor work habits to limiting self-beliefs to too much on your plate—take action to clear these hurdles.
- Pinpoint at least one daily action. The little things you do everyday are what propel you towards your goal.
- Establish a support structure. Who or what can provide you with encouragement, advice, healthy feedback or a willing ear?
- Identify rewards. A soak in the hot springs, a new outfit, dinner out. Little rewards along the way make achieving your goal more fun.
- Identify an action you will take right now, after you finish this article. Do it.