Monday, February 05, 2007

S.M.A.R.T. Goal Setting

“The most important thing about goals is having one,” according to Geoffry F. Abert. But until you have written your goals down on paper, they are just wishes. Write them down Look at them daily. Make sure that your goals are SMART:
  1. Specific: Goals should be straight forward and emphasize what you want to happen. Specific is the what, why, and how of the S.M.A.R.T. model.
  2. Measurable: If you can't measure it, you can't manage it. Set short and long term goals. Your short term goals can be small goals along the way that will help you reach your long-term goal.
  3. Attainable: Set goals within your reach so that you will commit to it.
  4. Realistic: The goal needs to be realistic for you and where you are at the moment. This is not a synonym for "easy." In this case it means "do-able." Be sure to set goals that you can attain with some effort. Too difficult and you set the stage for failure, but too low sends the message that you aren't very capable. Set the bar high enough for a satisfying achievement. Stretch.
  5. Timely: Set a time frame for the goal; next week, next month, 3 months, etc. Putting an end point on your goal gives you a clear target to work towards.

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