Goal Setting: Be SMART About It
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Sparkplugging is starting a new tradition called ‘Spark an Idea Thursday’. Each week we’ll be sharing some great ideas for a topic of interest to our readers. We invite you to grab our image and carry the tradition through to your own blog! If you do, please link back to this post so we know where you were inspired!
The theme of this week’s Spark an Idea Thursday is:
Spark an Idea About Goal Setting
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Do you have goals you are working toward?
How the heck do you set them?
How do you get them done?
I’ve been a member of several professional mastermind groups. One of the most valuable things I learned was how to set clear goals. Goals are dreams with an action plan. There are many ways to go about setting them up, but here’s the simplest explanation I know. When setting a goal, make sure it is “SMART”:
S = Specific
M = Measurable
A = Attainable
R = Realistic
T = Timely
I set goals for 5 years out, and then break them down into yearly goals and then 6 month goals. During the summer, I look at my overall business, and take some time to reflect on how the year is going. Come fall time, I plan out the coming year. A simple spreadsheet will do, so don’t make it all complicated.
The trick is to check in and see how it’s going.
Look at your goals every so often (I like to do this every couple weeks). How are you doing? This is why measurable goals is important. Are you 40% there? Watching that number go up and up is motivating! Even if it’s 2.7%?, because at least it’s not 0%!
I’d encourage you to set some goals in your business. Make then attainable for this season of your life and business. Stretch, but also make sure you are able to believe in them. Then, get moving and put them into action!
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Nice post! I like the S-M-A-R-T idea, clever!
Thanks! I wish I had thought of that. But, it’s SO important when setting goals. Otherwise, how do you know if you achieve it?
Your point about measureable goals is so true – you must be able to track your progress. Thanks for the great post.
Leigh Anne Wilkess last blog post..Baked Beans
I’ve written about that acronym before! It’s a great tool for goal setting!
Crissy Herrons last blog post..Kid-Marketing Makes Sense!
Very well said, specially the SMART theory. It really helps us a lot towards achieving a big target from small goals.
Everything Countss last blog post..On Personal Development and Self Improvement