How does one measure goals? This is a great
question in the work place and for personal goals. Projects need organization.
Individuals can certainly use milestones. Goals should be SMART - specific,
measurable, attainable, realistic and timely.
The acronym SMART has a number of slightly
different variations, which can be used to provide a more comprehensive
definition for goal setting:
S - specific
M - measurable
A - achievable
R - realistic
T - time-bound
Setting goals that are SMART will help you to be
successful in both your business and personal life. Consider when setting up
your weekly to-do list or when evaluating your personal financial goals whether
your goals are SMART goals.
Specific: The goal should be described
as specifically as possible. While a goal of simply “loosing weight” isn’t
specific a goal of losing 15 pounds from a current weight of 180 pounds in 4
months is specific.
Measurable: The goal must be
measurable in order to be effective. The weight example is measurable. Being a
better parent, better spouse, or better employee is a little harder to pin
down. IF the goal is to be a better parent identify areas of parenting
that are measurable. Consider turning off or putting your cell phone/computer
away when you get home until after your kids go to bed. Or make an effort to
get everyone to sit at the table for meals and talk together.
Achievable: Goal setting can be
tricky particularly given the level of difficulty of the goal. A goal that is
too easy will not be very full-filling or motivating. A goal that is extremely
difficult could in fact have the opposite effect of deflating a person to the
point they don’t want to continue. There needs to be a balance between a goal
being challenging yet doable. A good frame of reference is to consider if a
person sees themselves meeting that goal. If not perhaps the goal needs to be
retrofitted and revisited.
Realistic: Do you possess the
needed expertise, skills, knowledge, and time needed to reach your goal? If your
goal is weight loss do you know about calorie intake, types of food, exercise
routines needed to achieve your goal? If not perhaps some studying is in order.
Consider the local library for free resources.
Time-Bound: This kind of spills over
from the specific aspect of SMART goal setting. Having a deadline gives people
the necessary positive tension needed to get a move on with your goal or goals.
The goal should be realistic. Losing 15 pounds in two weeks isn’t realistic and
probably is unhealthy. Losing 15 pounds in 4 months is realistic and probably a
healthier way to go if you want to keep the weight off.
SMART is a left-brain tool being logical, linear,
and easy to analyze. It is therefore not for everyone. For more left-brain and
creative functions I’ll post something on SAFE goals at a later date.
What do you think? Leave a comment!
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