How To Set Goals and Achieve Them

5 Simple Steps to Succeed - With Examples

Have you ever set goals for yourself at the beginning of the year, only to be discouraged a month later that you haven’t made any progress?

Do you make goals like “I want make the workplace safer” or “I want to lose weight” or “I want to read more this year”?

If this sounds familiar, the reason we fail these “New Years Resolutions” or personal goals is the fact that we don’t make them specific enough and we don’t plan how to achieve them.

By using a simple 5 point framework, called SMART goal setting, we can set and achieve the goals that we want, to become more successful, more healthy, and improve ourselves.

What are the SMART goals?

The SMART acronym is a method to define our goals and achieve them by making them Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and within a specific Time.

SMART Goals Are Specific

“I want to read more this year” is too vague to really achieve. Be specific by picking how many books you want to read. By setting clear and specific goals, it is easier to track progress, you can visualize the outcome, and you will know when you have achieved it.

SMART Goals Are Measurable

To successfully track your progress, you need to make sure your goal is measurable. This allows you to check on your progress and define when you have achieved your goal. For example, instead of “get in better shape”, your goal could be “work out for 30 minutes each day”. This allows you to see your development and if you are on track to achieve your goal.

SMART Goals Are Achievable

Achievable goals means choosing a target that requires you to push yourself, but also can be attained. If you pick a goal that is excessive, such as saying “I want to read 1000 books this year”, you are less likely to achieve that as it may seem impossible. This can discourage you and you may give up. Using the SMART goal setting method, you can achieve progress and avoid the out-of-reach goals.

SMART Goals Are Realistic

SMART goal setting ensures your goals are realistic, those that you are willing and able to work toward by improving your habits. You want your goals to be based on your current reality, something you have the time and energy for. By having realistic goals, any setbacks and changes won’t discourage you and you can get back on the right track.

SMART Goals Are Given a Specific Time

The final step to SMART goals is to give a specific time in which you can achieve your goal. Having a clear time frame will help manage and track your progress along the way. If you don’t reach your goal within the specific time, then you may need to reassess: Did you give yourself enough time? Was your goal achievable and realistic?

Using SMART goal setting does not mean being rigid or strict, it is okay to reset your goals as long as you reflect and understand why you didn’t meet them, and how you can adapt.

How To Make SMART Goals a Reality

With a clear definition of SMART goals, here’s a few tips to achieving them.

Start Small

Make your starting goal something small, such as becoming more organized or reading a specific book. By breaking down our big goal into smaller chunks, we are able to prioritize and define the steps and actions to succeeding. Creating smaller steps will also help to focus your energy, giving you to the opportunity to measure your progress frequently and adapt as necessary.

Write It Down

By writing your goals down, whether in a journal, into a word document, or an app, you are making sure they are documented. Run your goals through the SMART outline to keep them specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and have a given time frame.

Share Your Goal With Others and Update Them

By sharing your goal with other individuals - a close friend, family member, or colleagues - you are holding yourself accountable and you can update them on your progress. This motivates you to work towards achieving your goal and gives you the social support while also regularly checking-in on your progress. This allows you to adapt to any setbacks and gives someone to bounce ideas with.

Push Through Fear

We’re all afraid of change at some level but you don’t want fear to hold you back from making the progress you want. Do you fear failure of your goals? Are your goals unreasonable? Finding the source of your fear and hesitation is critical to overcoming them and allowing yourself to develop personally and professionally.

Celebrate Every Win - No Matter How Small

When we recognize and celebrate wins, even small ones, our brains release a burst of dopamine, re-energizing you and motivating you to do more. Hit a milestone in your goal? Celebrate with friends and family before getting back on track and tackling that then win.

Using SMART goals is just the first step to changing your life. Don’t wait for Monday, start today by writing down and visualizing your goals. Push through the fear and take that first step to becoming who you want to be.

If you’re ready to make your goals achievable, check out our FREE SMART Goal Planner.

“Your life is one long movie and you’re the Director.”