by Beth Donovan – https://bethdonovan.com
S.M.A.R.T. Goal is:
Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Relevant, and Time-bound
S.M.A.R.T. goals create change by providing clarity, direction, a measurement of success for efforts, and motivation.
In creating a S.M.A.R.T. GOAL, being specific means that you have decided on what change you want to create. Be as specific as possible and keep it simple so that you can call it to mind quickly. For example: I will drink 2 quarts of water daily.
Measurable means to set up a way of measuring success. For example, I will drink 8 glasses of water per day. Track progress towards goal success in a journal or app.
Actionable is vital. We all want success, so setting ourselves up for it does benefit us. Making the goal actionable is akin to making it a no-brainer. It’s something you’re sure you can take action toward. The idea is set a challenge that you feel confident facing. Example: I will drink 8 glasses of water per day by setting my water bottle in front of me every hour.
Relevant is knowing it matters to you and the reasons. Relevant is knowing that the goal makes sense. Example: I will drink 8 glasses of water per day by setting my filled water bottle in front of me every hour because drinking water helps me feel good, have energy, and be healthy.
Timely is giving yourself a specific timeline for action and specific time to achieve your desired end-result. Example: I will drink 8 glasses of water per day by setting my water bottle in filled front of me every hour for one month so I develop a new habit.
There is a definite progression in a S.M.A.R.T. GOAL. Creating one is as simple as writing S.M.A.R.T. and filling in the blanks. This is a “Baby Steps” approach, really. As we succeed at each S.M.A.R.T. goal, we believe in ourselves more. Success begets success.