Why this goal-setting technique is the best way to achieve success
HOW TO ACHIEVE SMART GOALS
Now that we’ve answered the question “what is a SMART goal?” let’s look at a few tips for achieving them.
START SMALL
Instead of tackling your most urgent or loftiest goal (like making a fortune or finding a life partner), pick something small to start with, like learning to become more organized or learning to cook. Chunk your goals into smaller, actionable items and prioritize which actions you’ll take next. Not only will this make your goals easier to visualize, but it will also help you create a Massive Action Plan that leads to success.
Creating smaller steps on your way to massive results will help you focus your energy. This level of clarity puts power behind your goals, giving you the opportunity to measure your progress at frequent intervals, take new actions, and achieve success.
WRITE IT DOWN
According to a study conducted at the Dominican University in California, those who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them. It doesn’t matter whether you write your SMART goals in a journal, enter them into an app, or type them into a Word document. Just make sure they are documented. Then, run through the checklist of ensuring your goals are following the SMART outline: Are you phrasing the goal to be specific, measurable, attainable, and realistic within a time frame? If not, reevaluate your goals and start again.
CHECK-IN REGULARLY
How long will it take you to reach your SMART goals? How do you know if you’re falling off track? Regular check-ins allow you to evaluate your progress and course-correct when necessary. If you’re not beelining toward your goal, you need to know exactly when you made that left turn. Check in early and often to catch any changes in your progress, which will give you a chance to transform the setback into a success.
DON’T LET FEAR HOLD YOU BACK
If you’re not making the progress you’d like, take a look at what’s holding you back. Are you hesitant because your goal or approach is unreasonable, or are you reticent because of a deep-seated fear of failure? Finding the source of your hesitation is critical since overcoming our fears is pivotal to goal mastery as well as personal and professional development. Once you understand your fear, do what you need to remove it from the situation as you work toward achieving your goals.
