One of the ways to clearly define your goals is to use the SMART acronym. There are now several versions of the SMART acronym and whichever version you choose is a good place to start. In a previous blog, I went through some of these in more detail or check out my recent video (and there’s always Google).
SMART is about getting really specific with a tangible goal that has a meaning to you. SMART means you can actively track your progress. And it MUST have a deadline, a finishing point where you can see, and say, “OMG, I did it!”
Using my own weight loss journey I’ll show you how SMART goal setting can take you to success. (For those of you who don’t know me I lost 12½ kg on the Weight Watchers program and went on to become a meeting leader inspiring both men & women to reach their weight loss goals.)
Specific – Make it tangible to make it real.
- I wanted to lose weight & I had a vague idea I wanted to be the weight I was before children. When I talked it through with my weight loss coach & heard what I wanted I had a goal that had real meaning to me.
Measurable – Track your way to success.
- For me, it started as a number on the scales. For others, this was THE most de-motivating measurement. Over time I measured:
– What I ate, how much & when
– How far I walked and how much faster I did it or how much further I went.
– How loose my clothes were getting.
– And I got feedback (another tangible measurement) on how much better I was looking and how much happier I was.
Achievable – Silence the inner voice of doubt.
- By hearing & reading other success stories I started to believe, making the changes was possible and doing what needed to be done could be done.
- Mini goals along the way can take you all the way to achievable.
Realistic/Relevant – Challenge what others say is realistic & make it relevant to you.
- Getting back to pre-birth weight 15 yrs later was not possible I was told. My inner rebel fired up at that and I proved it is possible!
Time based/Timeline – It’s a clear tangible goal so put a date to it. Otherwise, it’s just a wish.
- My deadline was Christmas and along the way there were milestones.
- I fell short of my Christmas deadline by 1½ kg. That was enough inspiration for me to really focus my efforts. I reached my goal on January 4.
Find a SMART goal acronym and create a tangible goal that has real meaning to you, one that allows you to see your progress and ultimately inspires you to your “OMG, I did it!” celebration.
Is your goal missing the ZING that inspires you? Contact me for a free 1/2hr call and let’s fine tune the words to inspire your success.