I have a feeling that 2011 is going to be epically amazing!
In honor of the new calendar year and my new year of life [27 y'all!], I’ve written down a list of things I want to accomplish in the next 12 months. Making sure that my goals aren’t vague, I decided to use a technique I taught my students awhile back.
S.M.A.R.T is a mnemonic device that helps with breaking down an objective so that it’s achievable. What I LOVE about the S.M.A.R.T technique is that it creates an action plan for each goal that helps keep a productive momentum going even after the hype of the new year begins to fade.
There are several variations of what the letters in S.M.A.R.T can stand for. Below are the meanings that work for me, with tips and questions to ask at each step:
Specific – Is your goal well defined? Is it clear to anyone you explain it to? Vague goals equal vague results.
Measurable - How can you access your progress? Being able to measure your progress makes a goal manageable and can be used as motivation to keep going.
Attainable - Is your goal realistic? Do you have or can you obtain the skills, resources, knowledge and/ network that can help in accomplishing it? Easy goals aren’t challenging and lofty ones can be discouraging. The key is setting goals that utilize a few of the tools you already possess and that encourages you to grow.
Relevant – Does your goal match up to your mission/purpose in life? View each goal as a stepping stone to getting to who and where you want to be.
Time-Specific – What’s your deadline? Think of it this way: procrastination is like masturbation, in the end you’re only screwing yourself.
And there you go, let’s get cracking!
What is one of your SMART goals for 2011?
Comments
3 Comments so far. Leave a comment below.LOL @ procrastination is like masturbation, in the end you’re only screwing yourself. We use S.M.A.R.T. goals at work to assess whether our media strategies are actionable. I love them.
I’m so excited about 2011 you have no idea! I’m looking forward to approaching the new year with you. Thanks for being a friend. Xoxo!
Absolutely love this! I, like most other people, have a problem with sticking to my plans because often times they lack focus and direction. They end up being more like whims or things that “would be nice” to accomplish rather than true goals. One of my goals this year was actually to work smarter and harder. This approach is a great way to help me do the former. Thanks and Happy New Year!
Love how your posts are always thoughtful yet to the point! I might have to bite this idea, lol. I heart mnemonic devices, even though mine usually end up being inappropriate. Haven’t fully defined all of my goals for 2011 yet but I do know that I need to apply one major lesson learned from 2010 – Energy is a precious resource, be mindful of who and what you spend it on.
2011 will be epic for sure. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!