Get SMARTER
We’re approaching that often daunting time of year for setting annual goals. Whether it’s a financial forecast or a New Year’s resolution, it is important to set achievable, yet challenging, goals and milestones. Get SMARTER in your goal-setting process by anticipating roadblocks and detours on your path to achievement.
When SMART goals (Smart, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) are Evaluated and Reassessed, they become SMARTER.
As Greek philosopher Socrates reminded us, “The secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new” with the lessons you’ve learned.
Setting Goals the SMARTER Way
Specific - Define your goal narrowly in scope so that it is specific and focused, allowing you to define individual actions and milestones as components in your plan. Having a clear and targeted understanding of what you are trying to achieve makes your goal more easily achievable.
Measurable - Assign measurable goals and intermediate milestones. Is your goal to lose 15 pounds, to transition to a new career in a specific field, or to obtain a professional certification before year-end? Quantifying both your goal and the milestones allows you to easily track progress and adjust accordingly.
Achievable - Worthwhile goals are attainable. Be realistic in your goal-setting while also making it rewarding to work toward.
Relevant - Your goal should motivate you, which means it fits with your pursuits, passions, and dreams - and worth the resources you’re investing to achieve it.
Time-Bound - Decide when you want to reach each milestone. Assign calendar dates to keep you focused and accountable.
Evaluated - Once you have reached your intermediate milestones, as well as your final goal, evaluate what you did well and what didn’t work so well.
Reassessed - Adapt and adjust your plan as needed based on your evaluations, and apply the lessons you learned from this goal-setting exercise to refine and improve the process of future goal-setting.
Once you recognize that the trajectory to achieving your goals is not necessarily linear, you allow yourself room to adjust your plan accordingly. As long as you hold yourself accountable and have defined a SMART goal, it's achievable, and you will get SMARTER in the process.
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Find Your Ikigai
Ikigai is the Japanese word that means your purpose for living - or the reason to get up in the morning. According to the Japanese, everyone has an ikigai - you just need to be patient enough to find it. To do this, the authors of Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life recommend several simple practices that can be employed by anyone at any stage in their career.
