Want 20223 to be the year you accomplish your wildest dreams? Stay tuned for the best way to create goals and smash your targets.
Everyone has dreams and hopes for the future. Often, we really want something but are unsure how to get there, or the thing we want seems so far away that it doesn’t seem like it’ll ever happen. Regardless of your goal or how big or small it is, if you’re a young person who wants to accomplish something, you need to set goals.
Once you have a goal in mind, you’ve reached the first step to goal setting. Unfortunately, goal setting isn’t as simple as thinking of an idea you’d like to happen and then trying to achieve it. Achieving your goals can be really difficult, especially without motivation and direction. The best way to stay motivated and successful is to set SMART goals.
What are SMART goals?
Setting SMART goals are a really common method used by many! You’ll probably encounter SMART goals soon in life if you haven’t already, particularly if you’re going to college or university or are starting your career. However, it’s never too early to use this tried and tested method to create goals.
SMART is an acronym that can be used to easily build and assess your goals to see if they are effective.
A SMART goal stands for…
- Specific – States precisely what you’d like to accomplish
- Measurable – Progress is trackable, and you know when you’d like to achieve it by
- Attainable – It is possible for you to achieve your goal
- Relevant – It is aligned with your values, interests and other goals
- Timely – Includes a firm but fair deadline
Be sure to save this graphic to help you make your SMART goals!
SMART goals in practice
Let’s look at an example of setting a SMART goal. You may be wanting to feel fitter and healthier and, therefore, have a goal of regularly exercising. Now let’s turn this goal of regular exercise into a SMART goal.
I will exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes per day, three times per week by March 1st.
How about you show appreciation for your family and take the pressure off some of the household work? How can you make this a SMART goal?
I will cook dinner for my family every Wednesday night between 5-7pm. I will plan exactly what I’ll be cooking on the Friday before so I can make sure we have all the ingredients.
Now it’s your turn! think about some of the SMART goals you’d like to form for the new year, and write them down, so you don’t forget. Remember to keep track of your progress so you can be on track.
Related Information
If you’re not so keen on setting smart goals, why not check out some new year’s resolution alternatives?