SMART GOALS (OR SHOULD I SAY SMART STEPS?)

Everyone talks about goal-setting, and creating SMART Goals, but they never really go over what's the difference between them, and your main goal. BOOM! This is where I come in.

WHAT ARE SMART GOALS?

A SMART Goal is a specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time specific goal. Real catchy, right? The purpose of the SMART Goal is to break down the bigger picture into smaller, straightforward, easy accomplished increments. Breaking down the bigger picture is the process of strategizing and putting into action energized efforts. A good example is when a toddler is fed a piece of bread. A toddler cannot take the bread and bite it like an adult, otherwise, they will choke. It has to be broken down into bite sized pieces that they gobble down one at a time (why do they gobble when they eat?....nevermind) until eventually they have eaten the entire piece of bread. The same applies here. You create smaller bite sized goals that are easier to achieve until you have reached the overall goal.

Now, this is where I defer from the normal SMART Goal training. Most people will say the SMART Goal is the main goal. However, I disagree.

I believe SMART Goals are the combined goals that make up the main goal. They act more as STEPS towards the main goal. Remember my example about the toddler and the piece of bread. These steps are the bite sized goals that you create. Once you accomplish each step, you will have reached the main goal - which is eating the entire piece of bread. For example, if your goal is to lose 50 lbs. in six months, then you would treat that as your main goal and create SMART Steps to help you reach that goal. Now, you can call them SMART Goals, Mini-SMART Goals, etc., but for our purposes, they will be called SMART Steps.

HOW DO YOU CREATE SMART STEPS?

When creating SMART Steps, you enlist the ingredients that make it up.

First, you want to identify the specifics. Be as precise as possible. It is also helpful if you are concise in determining what it is you want to accomplish. The more simplistic the specifics, the easier it is for you to identify the needs and requirements for getting the step accomplished.

Second, the step needs to be quantifiable. Create a clear measurement of the specifics because it will let you know when you reached the finish line. For example, if your goal is to lose 50 lbs. in six months, your SMART Step could be to walk one mile every Tuesday and Thursday between 3PM and 5PM for 10 days. The quantifiable measurements in this goal are the days, Tuesday and Thursday for 10 days; the time, 3PM to 5PM; and the distance, one mile. You would track whether you consistently walked every Tuesday and Thursday one mile for 10 days. In order to track it, it would be helpful to use your calendar app or a walking app that could track the days and times you walked and how far you walked.

Third, create a goal that can be done with ease. Stay within the realms of what you can and are able to complete. For example, if your SMART Step is to walk one mile every Tuesday and Thursday between 3PM and 5PM, and you have to pick your child up from practice at 4PM, this not an achievable goal. The goal is not achievable because you are not considering the efforts required to complete the task. Before walking, you have to stretch, determine your route, or even prepare yourself mentally for the workout. A pick up time in the middle of the step shortens the time you have to take the walk, makes you a candidate for potential injuries because you are rushing, and adds new tension to something that should be motivating and inspiring. Be reasonable about the terms you set to stay within the range of your time, money, energy, and skillset.

Fourth, make sure the goal is relevant to what you are trying to do. Make sure the step aligns with the direction of the main goal, and it adds value. For example, a SMART Step to not spend more than $50 a week on food is not in line with a goal to lose 50 lbs. That step is more in line with you trying to save money. If you are trying to lose weight, you may spend more than $50 a week to meal prep, purchase more healthier options, or sign up for healthier monthly dinner box options. Remember, focus on relevant areas that will enhance and support the main goal.

Lastly, set a specific time. The clock is ticking, and you need to make moves. Adding time to the step gives you a deadline to push you forward towards your main goal. The time is set by you, and you can be as aggressive or lenient as you wish. However, once the time is set, it is up to you to take the necessary steps to make it happen. I always suggest for procrastinators, make sure you set a hard deadline and do not make any exceptions. For the go-getters, setting a short deadline is great, but also give yourself time to leave and come back to the work, just to look at it again with fresh eyes. Choose your time wisely.

Creating these SMART Steps under your main goal keeps you focused, prepared, and decisive as you progress forward. It encourages you to effectively manage your time better, reduce procrastination, reduce anxiety and overwhelm, and increases your confidence as you complete each SMART Step.

Today, make a decision to choose one of your main goals, and create some SMART Steps. Make the steps specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time sensitive. Write them down in your phone or in a notebook. Use them as a guide as you strive towards greatness. Now, go on and be great!

Until later, EYE C U! 😉