Goal Setting the SMART way

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Goal Setting the SMART way

by Laura Brand

It’s that time again…. the NEW YEAR. Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? To be honest with you, I never make those because I know they will be broken by the end of the month! However, I do believe that the transition from one year to the next is the perfect time to look back at what I accomplished last year and to set new goals for the upcoming year. As we all know, there is no way to succeed at anything without setting goals! You have a choice. You can either remain in your comfort zone, accomplishing little, and making little to no impact on the world around you; or you can live in the effective zone – actually accomplishing concrete goals you set for yourself – bettering both yourself and others in the process. Did you realize that 97% of the population lives in the comfort zone, whereas only 3% lives in the effective zone? This year, make sure you are included in that 3% of people who are actually making a difference! I am going to give you a few tips that will make goal-setting easier for you so that you can be on your way to future success in any endeavor!!

Your goals need to be S.M.A.R.T.

S Specific – It needs to answer the questions: Who? What? When? and How?

Ex: By April 25^th, I will exercise on the treadmill 30 minutes a day 4 times a week

by waking up earlier Monday through Thursday mornings.

M Measurable – It is easiest to measure goals using numbers, distance, or time.

A Attainable – Is it reasonable? Can it be done?

R Realistic - Know your limitations

T Track-able – Use logs, charts, or journals to track your progress. If you have

followed your plan, this will be very encouraging!

(Source: Mayo Clinic)