WEEK 1 – SMART GOALS
What is a SMART Goal?
A SMART goal is a goal that is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time – Bound.
This provides an easy framework to not only create better overall goals and objectives, but make sure that they can actually be completed. SMART goals are a clear, simple way to track progress and hold yourself accountable; and in a team setting, they help eliminate any miscommunication or guesswork among your partners
Benefits of SMART goals
SMART goals are all about clarity. They provide clear communication and alignment to boost morale and they provide a clear roadmap and finish so you know what you want to achieve and when you expect to achieve it. They keep goals trackable so you can measure your progress easier and hold yourself more accountable. Best of all, they ensure your goal is attainable and relevant so you can stay encouraged to keep going!
S – Specific – In order for a goal to be eGective, it has to be specific. A well – defined, specific goal helps you zero in on what exactly you need to get done and helps provide a roadmap on how to get there. Think of it as the Who, What, and Why of goal – setting. Consider the following questions when defining your goal:
- What needs to be accomplished?
- Who is responsible?
- What steps need to be taken to achieve it?
- What obstacles are there?
You are much more likely to accomplish your goal if it’s clear – cut rather than vaguely defined. After all, it’s hard to get anywhere when you don’t know what your target is.
M – Measurable – Your goal should have some sort of way to measure it, so that you know when you’ve actually accomplished it. When your goal is measurable, you can identify exactly what it is that you will see, hear, and feel when you’ve reached your goal. It also makes it easier to track your progress and evaluate your overall success. Examples of measurements include:
- Deadlines
- Numbers
- Percentage changes
- Benchmarks
Knowing how you will measure your goal is the best way to know when you’ve achieved it.
A – Achievable – When creating a goal, you have to make sure that it is something that you can actually achieve. Ideally, a goal should stretch you slightly enough so that you feel challenged but not so much that it’s impossible to complete. Remember to work within your me ans and
take stock of your current resources, skills, and available time when setting a goal.
R – Relevant – It’s important to understand why you are setting your goal in the first place! Remember that your goal should measure outcomes, not activities. What is the outcome or change that you are seeking? What results are you expecting to achieve? And most importantly, what’s the point of even doing it to begin with?
Ultimately, your goal needs to be meaningful and make sense in the greater context of
whatever it is you are trying to achieve.
T – Timebound – How are you tracking your progress? When do your goals you want to start, and when do
you want to have achieved your goal? Your goal should have some kind of time – related parameter built in so you can keep better track of your progress. In addition, having a clearly designated timeframe can create a sense of urgency to motivate you to complete your goal.
If you need any assistance in keeping track look on our shop. Mark your deadlines on our printify shop. Need a calendar? A way to keep track? Get an SXP Focus Journal. If you need any more inspiration check out our online store.
If you’re stuck on picking a date, check out one of our Sword Experience tours!
