There are many reasons why we struggle to reach our goals. These include personal doubt, external factors, and lack of resources. However, the number 1 reason why most people don’t reach their goals is, they aren’t specific enough.
Most goals are focused on the result and few focus on the process to accomplish the goal. As a result, these goals are less likely to be achieved or you may find the goal to be more challenging than you expected.
Typically, people give vague responses when they discuss their goals “I want to build generational wealth”. Unfortunately, vague goals produce vague outcomes.
SMART goals have a greater chance of success. They help clarify your ideas, focus your efforts, increase productivity, and boost your goal achievement probability.
Are your goals SMART?
Review the guide below and see if your goals are set for success!
SPECIFIC
Is your goal distinct or ambiguous? Here are some questions to consider.
- Who – Who is involved in this goal?
- What – What do I want to accomplish?
- When – When do I want to achieve this goal?
- Where – Where can this goal be achieved?
- Why – Why do I want to achieve this goal?
Example
Non-specific goal: “I want to lose weight.”
Specific goal: “I want to obtain a gym membership at a local fitness center and work out four days a week to be healthier.
MEASURABLE
Can you track the progress of your goal? Here are some questions to consider.
- How will I determine progress?
- How will the end be identified?
- How will I quantify change, how many or how much?
Example
Non-measurable Goal: I will lose a few pounds
Measurable Goal: My goal is to lose one pound per week.
ACHIEVABLE
Is your goal within your reach?
Goals should be high enough to be a challenge but low enough to be achieved.
Here are some questions to consider.
- Is this feasible within my current capacity? Which resources do I need to achieve this goal?
- Are these resources available to me? If not, how will these resources be obtained?
- What are potential challenges? How will I address them?
Example
Non-achievable Goal: I will lose eight pounds, in eight weeks. (no room for human error)
Achievable Goal: I will lose four pounds in seven weeks. (room for human error)
RELEVANT
Is your goal related to other goals? Here are some questions to consider.
- Is this appropriate for my next goal?
- How does this goal move me closer to my overall vision of success?
Example
Non-Relevant Goal: “I want to be healthy.”
Relevant Goal: “I want to decrease my blood sugar level.”
TIME BOUND
Is your goal time bound? Here are some questions to consider.
- What is the deadline for my goal?
- When do I want to achieve this goal?
- What can I do today?
- What can I accomplish this week?
- What can be completed within a month?
Example
Non-Time Bound Goal: ”
Time Bound Goal: “
Once your goals have been arranged and you’re in motion, pause periodically to ensure your goals are SMARTER.
EVALUATE
Are you progressing to your goal? Here are some questions to consider.
- What is working? What Is not working?
- What was helpful? What was not helpful?
- What changes need to be made?
Example
“It’s hard to be motivated for my home workouts. I really enjoy my fitness group classes.”
REVIEW
Do you need to revise your goal? Here are some questions to consider.
- What do I need to change about my goals?
- Is there a different way I can measure progress?
- Is there a better environment or situation for the goal?
Example
“I’m not consistent working out at home, I am going to join a fitness class for accountability.”