You've got your plans all laid out in your notebook, page after page, but when it comes down to it, nothing gets done on time. It's like, why even bother, right? Every day it's the same old questions: when's this goal gonna happen? Why's it taking so long? Why am I missing deadlines? If this sounds familiar, maybe it's time to rethink how you're setting those goals.
Okay, so like, goals aren't just about getting what you want, they're about actually making things happen. Like, if you're just writing down these crazy plans you can only dream about, without even thinking about how to actually make them real, then you're just wasting your time and energy.
Alright, so it's time to switch things up and figure out how to actually achieve those goals without wasting all your time and energy, right? That's where this thing called "SMART goals" comes in.
What is SMART Goals?
Okay, so first things first, let's get into where this whole SMART goal thing came from. Sometimes you'll see it written with periods, like S.M.A.R.T. Anyway, it's basically an acronym that George T. Doran came up with back in 1981. He wrote this paper called "There's a S.M.A.R.T. Way to Write Management's Goals and Objectives," and that's where it all started.
So basically, Doran came up with this S.M.A.R.T. acronym to help managers, like, set goals that actually make sense and that they can actually achieve. It's like a little memory trick to help you get things done.
So, these five little letters can totally change your life. Here's what S.M.A.R.T. really means:
Specific
Don't just write down some vague idea, make it super clear and detailed. Like, the more specific you are, the easier it is to actually get it done. It's like, if you know exactly what you want, it's way easier to get there.
Avoid setting a target like 'I want to get in better shape in 3 months.' Instead, make it more detailed.
Saying 'get in better shape' kinda leaves a lot of questions unanswered. Like, how many pounds do you wanna lose or gain? What kind of measurements are you going for?
So, it's way better to be like, 'Okay, I'm gonna lift weights for 20 minutes and do 10 minutes of cardio every day.' See? Now you've got a real plan, and you can actually focus on making it happen.
Measurable
Okay, with this one, you gotta figure out if you can actually reach your goal in the time you've set for yourself. Since you need to figure that out, you gotta use numbers to keep track of everything.
And not just any random numbers. We're talking about numbers that won't make you burn out or stress you out. Like, your body's gotta be able to handle it comfortably.
Okay, let's go back to that 'get in better shape' example. Think about what your body can actually handle, like, what's a realistic number for you? Maybe switch it up to something like, 'Lose 5 kg in 3 months.'
Or, when it comes to money, can you actually handle the numbers you've set for your savings goal? Is 'saving $100 a month' actually doable for you?
Achievable
Look, you can't do everything, right? So you gotta pick and choose what you can actually handle, the stuff that'll actually make a difference and help you become a better you.
Yeah, setting goals can be kinda tough, but that's alright. It just means you're on the right track. You're actually trying to make things happen and become a better, more productive you.
But hey, you gotta stay real, right? Life throws curveballs, things don't always go as planned. Can you actually buy a car with your savings right now? And I mean, without spending every last penny?
Yeah, you can always make more money, but setting goals that are totally out of reach is just gonna make things hard on yourself. You might get there eventually, but it's gonna take forever and you'll probably be stressed out the whole time. Who wants to spend their days worrying about something that's not even realistic? That's just asking for frustration.
Relevant
Having goals that don't match up with your values and what you're all about can totally kill your motivation. If you're chasing something that doesn't really matter to you, you're not gonna get anywhere.
Having goals that actually mean something to you makes it way easier to figure out what you can actually do and achieve. 'Relevant' basically means it fits with who you are and what you're all about.
You might dream of taking a trip to Japan, which is awesome! But what's the rush, you know? If you just want it without any real reason, like a year-end vacation or maybe planning to work there next year, it's just gonna stay a dream.
Time-bound
'T' is for Time-bound, which basically means you gotta set a deadline. It's like a challenge. Having a time limit keeps you focused and on track to actually make things happen.
Having a deadline for your goals keeps everything organized and helps you tackle them one by one. It also helps you stay focused on your day-to-day stuff, so you can prioritize what needs to get done first.
SMART Goals Template
Using this SMART goal thing might be easier if you check out this template. You can totally copy it and tweak it to match your own goals.
In this example, I'll show you how it works for stuff like dieting, fitness, saving money, and hobbies.
| Goal | Specific | Measurable | Achievable | Relevant | Time-bound | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diet | Improve my daily nutrition. | Increase my daily intake of fruits and vegetables. | Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. | Start by adding one extra serving of fruits or vegetables to each meal. | Eating more fruits and vegetables will improve my overall health and well-being. | Consistently achieve this goal for the next 30 days. |
| Fitness | Enhance my cardiovascular fitness. | Run a 5k race. | Complete the 5k race in under 30 minutes. | Follow a training plan that gradually increases my running distance and speed. | Running is an enjoyable activity that improves my physical and mental health. | Successfully run the 5k race in 3 months. |
| Saving | Build an emergency fund. | Save $5,000 in an emergency fund. | Track my savings progress monthly. | Automatically transfer $200 from my checking account to my savings account each month. | Having an emergency fund provides financial security and peace of mind. | Reach my savings goal within 1 year. |
| Hobby | Learn to play the guitar. | Learn to play 3 basic chords and 1 complete song on the guitar. | Practice guitar for at least 30 minutes, 3 times per week. | Start with online tutorials and gradually progress to more complex lessons. | Playing guitar is a creative outlet that brings me joy and relaxation. | Achieve my guitar playing goal within 2 months. |
The Joy Line
Setting SMART goals is a super solid way to make your dreams actually happen. By making your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, you're basically creating a roadmap to success, dude. It's like having a GPS for your life, keeping you on track and motivated.
Whether you're trying to get healthier, save some cash, or just chase your passions, this SMART thing helps you focus your energy on stuff you can actually achieve. So, take some time to really think about your goals, and watch those dreams turn into real steps that get you where you wanna be!