Are you familiar with SMART goals?

May 3rd, 2012 by Gerard Della Marta MBACP qualified counsellor

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A goal is an end result you want to achieve and you can work towards. Goals are most powerful when they are specific and when you are really clear why you want them.

Identifying the problem is a start. Once the problem is defined you are in a better position to look at what you can do to improve the situation by creating and developing your goals. Sometimes, knowing what we don't want is easier than knowing what we do want. Setting goals that are too grandiose or hard to achieve can be tiring rather than rewarding.

When you identify areas that could be improved because they are causing you problems, the next step is to consider them as a goal list of issues to work on.

SMART goals are helpful tools to make things specific and to make sure that you achieve the goal you want.

SMART stands for:
Specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time frame.

SPECIFIC
Be clear and detailed about what you want, when and where. For example: I want to lose 5kg at the end of next month, I will go to the gym 3 times at week and I will follow a low calorie diet.

MEASURABLE
A measurable goal has a clear point you can measure the progress you have made and how far you have to go.

How often you will check your progress?
How will you know you have achieved your goals?

ACHIEVABLE
Achievable goals are attainable by you. They depend on you taking the right steps to reach them.

REALISTIC
If your goals are realistic not only you achieve them but you get a feel good factor from the achievement that can boosts your confidence. For example changing things about yourself rather than other people can be a realistic goal.

TIME FRAME
Putting a date to a goal gives you something to work towards. It allow you to put a mark goal post along the way to help you to maintain motivation and measure your progress. Your overall goal date acts as a deadline which helps to give your goal a sense of importance.

Finally the extent to which you break down large goals into small, manageable, easily, achievable components will be a key predictor to your success.

Source: http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellor-articles/are-you-familiar-with-smart-goals