As March winds down and the weather gets warmer, I’m sure gyms all across the country are starting to return their normal crowd. Those New Year’s Resolutions that your friends are giving up on (not you guys – our readers aren’t quitters!), are starting to seem like real mountains. From their point of view, it seems like there’s obstacle after obstacle that stands between them and their goal.
However, after reading this – you should be able to start self motivating and have the right mindset you need to achieve your dream. The best part about a dream is it gives you something finite – a destination – you can strive for. Once you’ve set that landmark, you need to outline the steps to achieve your goal.
It’s important to make sure that your goals are S.M.A.R.T. Not smart as in where you went to college; but goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely.
SPECIFIC goals give your thoughts and actions direction and focus. Remember the 5 W’s (who, what, where, why, which). This will help you pinpoint exactly what is expected.
MEASURABLE goals are important because it gives you the criteria you need to celebrate small victories and constantly find encouragement. (ex. You set a goal to lose 10 lbs. Once you’ve lost 6 lbs., you can be proud of hitting 60% of your goal and know you only have 40% to go.
ATTAINABLE goals are important because it requires introspection (you’ve got to be honest with yourself). At 5’10” I’ve never had a goal of playing basketball in the NBA but I can aspire to graduate with a 3.3 GPA.
RELEVANT goals. Does the goal matter? True goal setting should be used for matters which will affect your team, your family, and your dreams.
TIMELY goals provide deadlines. Deadlines are something you will have to get used to so why not go ahead and start giving yourself some practice in the art of following through.
No matter where you are in life, you will have dreams. With S.M.A.R.T. goal setting, you will be more prepared to reach them. When you’re prepared, your biggest problem will be the extra time you have when you reach goals ahead of schedule.
HP