Setting Up Your SMART Goals
Did you make resolutions for New Years’? If you did, how are you doing with them?
If you’re struggling already, don’t worry; we are too, but we have an idea that might make it easier. It’s called SMART Goals.
SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely, and it’s a great way to keep you on track to accomplishing your goals. Let’s break this down:
Specific: Make sure your goal is as straightforward as possible. Getting in shape is not a smart goal. It lacks specificity, but training for a marathon is specific enough.
Measurable: You will need to have some metrics to gauge your progress with your goal. In the marathon example above, you could measure your progress by tracking how long you run each time you practice.
Attainable: This is an essential criterion; are you capable of achieving the goal given the right time and resources? Can you break down the goal into smaller steps?
Realistic: Are you willing to commit to the goal? What type of preparation will you need to do? You likely won’t run a marathon next week, but you will eventually. Don’t put extra pressure on yourself for immediate results.
Timely: What is the deadline for the goal? When is the marathon? Remember to give yourself the time necessary to put in the work.
You can apply the SMART goals system to anything from Fitness to Finance and even Academics. Here are some examples
I want to save 200 dollars in a month, so I should commit to setting aside 50 dollars a week.
Next year, I want to run a marathon, so I commit to weekly training. I can then measure how long it takes me to run a mile each time and review my progress monthly.
I have a Thesis paper due at the end of the semester, and it must be 30 pages long, so I must write and proofread at least two pages a week.
I want to start journaling every day. I begin by setting aside two minutes a day in the morning, writing how I’m feeling or what I’m grateful for, then after two weeks, I up the time to three minutes and so on.
What are some SMART goals that you have in mind?