By Bliss Specialist Kelly
Goals give you long term and short term
motivation. If you add more structure
and focus to your life, you will begin to live life more deliberately, on your
own terms rather than simply reacting to life.
The quality of your life is ultimately shaped
by the quality of your choices and decisions. Goals that range from the books
you choose to read, the time that you wake up every morning and the thoughts
you think during the hours of your days.
Here is the SMART formula for goal setting!
S = Is my goal Specific?
For example, you might say, “I want to be
healthier.” However, that is a very general statement. Whereas, “I want to exercise
for 20 minutes, 3 times per week” is much more specific.
Tip: It’s important to frame your goal in a
positive tone!
M = Can I Measure my goal?
It would be pretty hard to measure "wanting
to be healthier," but it is simple to measure 20-minute workouts, 3 times
per week. The more measurable a goal
is, the easier it is to track. Similarly, if you track your progress towards
achieving a goal, the more likely you are to achieve it.
Tip: if your goal is a large one, breaking it
down into measurable elements is helpful.
What about goals that involve inner-work, such
as: self-acceptance, personal fulfillment, improved relationships or internal
happiness? Knowing what something looks
like, feels like, thinks like or behaves like is the ultimate measurement for
deep change. Ask yourself, “How will my life be different once this goal is
met?” “What will I do, be and have, that I don’t right now?” We need to
allocate equal attention to our being
needs in the same way that our actions meet our doing requirements.
A = Attainable: Is your goal within reason?
Your goal does not have to be easy, but if
you stretch yourself is it something you could achieve? You do not want to set
yourself up for failure and ultimately let yourself down. Alternatively, you
will want to consider, is this truly as high as you can aim or could you possibly
challenge yourself a little further?
R = Is your goal Relevant to your desires and
life?
Is your goal something you actually want to
achieve and that you are able to work toward? It is worth remembering that your
goals should be relevant to YOUR life, not anyone else's. Is your goal
in every way, shape and form related or relevant to YOUR vision? Is this
something that will truly bring you closer to your ideal future?
T = Does your goal have a good Time frame?
Thinking them is not enough. "Goals once
in writing are merely our dreams with deadlines.” It is important to reflect and
set a reasonable deadline.
Remember… fulfilled people do not spend their
time doing what is most convenient and comfortable. Start making choices that you know are the
right ones, rather than the easy ones! As Brain Tracy so beautifully says,
"our goals allow us to control the direction of change in our favor."
