Here is a basic overview of the concept commonly referred to as "SMART Goals."
Essentially, the idea is that if you want to accomplish meaningful results, it's not enough to simply say, "I want to do <something>" or "I want to get <something>." If you want to achieve something of value, you are more likely to get there if you establish these components:
1) A SMART goal is Specific -- rather than, "I want to get my body into shape," consider how one could describe it in such a way that the conditions for success are clear. In this example, what is a specific expression of getting one's body "into shape?" One possibility might be: "I want to lose weight and gain muscle tone."
Even at this early stage, it helps if the goal-setter knows why they want to pursue this goal. "So that I feel better," or "so that I look good in swimwear," or "so that I can live longer" would each lead to a different definition of what constitutes getting "into shape." For this example, let's pursue the "look good in swimwear" angle. Notice we're already moving from something vague and subjective to something more specific.
2) A SMART goal is Measurable -- what criteria establishes whether one is heading toward the goal or away from it? What are the criteria for establishing success? To continue the example above, it's difficult to measure "look good in swimwear" because that is a completely subjective call. However, since this hypothetical example conflates "being in shape" with "looking good in swimwear," how might one measure that? "I want to reduce my waist size by X inches and be able to bench my own weight," might be one set of measurable criteria for establishing success in this example.
3) A SMART goal is Achievable (or Appropriate) -- a goal can be difficult, but don't pick one that's either impossible or relies upon factors completely outside of one's control. This might seem obvious on the face of it, and yet people and organizations frequently set goals that are either beyond their capabilities or dependent upon factors that are beyond their reach. For example, "I want to reduce my waist size by one inch every month" could become problematic before too long and would eventually require violating the laws of physics.
Using a completely different example, "I want to get into Harvard" is very difficult but nonetheless potentially achievable... however, it requires not only that the person puts together a great application but also requires the Harvard Admissions committee to decide in the applicant's favor. The applicant can't control the decision of the committee, but they can control the quality of their application.
4) A SMART goal is Relevant -- here's where knowing the why behind a goal becomes increasingly important.
TO BE CONTINUED....
Essentially, the idea is that if you want to accomplish meaningful results, it's not enough to simply say, "I want to do <something>" or "I want to get <something>." If you want to achieve something of value, you are more likely to get there if you establish these components:
1) A SMART goal is Specific -- rather than, "I want to get my body into shape," consider how one could describe it in such a way that the conditions for success are clear. In this example, what is a specific expression of getting one's body "into shape?" One possibility might be: "I want to lose weight and gain muscle tone."
Even at this early stage, it helps if the goal-setter knows why they want to pursue this goal. "So that I feel better," or "so that I look good in swimwear," or "so that I can live longer" would each lead to a different definition of what constitutes getting "into shape." For this example, let's pursue the "look good in swimwear" angle. Notice we're already moving from something vague and subjective to something more specific.
2) A SMART goal is Measurable -- what criteria establishes whether one is heading toward the goal or away from it? What are the criteria for establishing success? To continue the example above, it's difficult to measure "look good in swimwear" because that is a completely subjective call. However, since this hypothetical example conflates "being in shape" with "looking good in swimwear," how might one measure that? "I want to reduce my waist size by X inches and be able to bench my own weight," might be one set of measurable criteria for establishing success in this example.
3) A SMART goal is Achievable (or Appropriate) -- a goal can be difficult, but don't pick one that's either impossible or relies upon factors completely outside of one's control. This might seem obvious on the face of it, and yet people and organizations frequently set goals that are either beyond their capabilities or dependent upon factors that are beyond their reach. For example, "I want to reduce my waist size by one inch every month" could become problematic before too long and would eventually require violating the laws of physics.
Using a completely different example, "I want to get into Harvard" is very difficult but nonetheless potentially achievable... however, it requires not only that the person puts together a great application but also requires the Harvard Admissions committee to decide in the applicant's favor. The applicant can't control the decision of the committee, but they can control the quality of their application.
4) A SMART goal is Relevant -- here's where knowing the why behind a goal becomes increasingly important.
TO BE CONTINUED....
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