Hi, and HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU! I am so thankful to be here, healthy, and working towards achieving the goals I’ve set for myself. How are you doing? Are you excited for what’s to come in this new year, 2022? Let me know in the comment section below!
With the start of the new year, I’m sure everyone is writing out their goals for 2022. Before you begin making any plans, I would like you to take the time to read this article and learn how to set goals that you will stick to and accomplish.
So, without further ado, let’s get right into setting SMART goals!
What is a SMART goal?
When it comes to setting goals, the best way is to make sure they are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound. I learned more about this way of goal-setting while becoming a project manager. If you’re a busy person, as I’m sure all of us are, it’s essential that when we are making goals, the goals should be challenging, but not unrealistic, specific, not vague, and there MUST be a time limit to achieving the goal.
Let’s look at an example:
It’s the beginning of a new year, and Sally has dreams of creating a successful blog that encourages women to live their best lives. She’s a bit intimidated, considering the blogging world is full of incredible, successful women doing what she wants to do. Instead of falling into a slump, she sets some goals to start her dream of becoming a successful lifestyle blogger.
Let’s help Sally make three SMART goals.
1. By January 31, 2022, Sally will create a name for her blog, buy her domain name, and find a site to host her blog.
2. Sally will set up her blog (choose a template, color scheme, come up with her topics for discussion, brainstorm blog post ideas, etc.) by February 15, 2022.
3. Sally will launch her new blog on March 2, 2022!
Each of the goals we created for Sally was specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound. Achieving these goals will push Sally out of her comfort zone, but they will give her the boost to create more plans and accomplish them.
Tips on how to properly implement SMART goals into your daily life
Tip #1: Know Your Limits
When it comes to setting SMART goals, it’s best that you know what you can and can’t handle. If you know that you don’t have the time to step foot inside of a gym every single day, you should stay away from goals like “I’m going to go to the gym every day for the next month.” Be realistic with your goals, and be mindful of the time and energy required to complete the goals that you’re going to set.
Tip #2: Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself
Mistakes are going to happen. You may not complete a goal in the time frame you set for yourself. Although setbacks may come, keep your eyes on the plan. Something that you can do when you miss the mark is to look back on what you’ve done. What did you accomplish on the journey to achieving your goal? What could you have done differently? Ask yourself those questions, and then get back to work!
Tip #3: Go For It!
Stop limiting yourself, and go for it! Your goals should frighten you a bit, but keep in mind that your goals should be realistic. Step away from your comfort zone, set those goals, and have fun.
What’s next?
Let’s recap what we’ve learned today.
A SMART goal is specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound. While you’re setting your plans for the new year, keep the SMART method in mind, step outside your comfort zone, and make things happen.
I believe in you!
Have you set some SMART goals for the year? Tell me one of your goals in the comment section below!
-Nieshia
Armored with Faith 