Setting S.M.A.R.T. goals… An acronym for goal setting:

• S for specific (simple, sensible, significant)
• M for measurable (meaningful, motivating)
• A for achievable (agreed upon, attainable)
• R for relevant (reasonable, realistic, results)
• T for time (time sensitive, timely)

“Smart” goals, often attributed to Peter Drucker’s Management by Objectives, is a concept to help make goals achievable professionally and personally. Taught and used in different settings, this is something I want to incorporate into my daily life to achieve my specific goals more effectively. One of my problems with goal setting (and achievement) is letting emotions cloud my judgement in what I can accomplish. By being more specific (and considering all that is involved in achieving any goal), I hope to be more productive in 2019. Hmm… I think THAT is a “goal” in itself?

S.M.A.R.T. goals need to be:

Specific

• What do I want to accomplish?
• Why is this goal important?
• Who is involved?
• Which resources will be involved?

Measurable

• How much (of anything) is involved in reaching my goal?
• How many…?
• How will I accomplish my goal(s)?

Achievable

• How realistic is the goal?

Relevant

• Is the goal worthwhile?
• Is this the right time to attempt this goal?
• Am I able to reach the goal I set for myself?

Time

• What can I do today for the goal I set for myself?
• When will I re-evaluate my efforts towards my goal(s)
• How long will I give myself to reach this specific goal?

 

As I define each of the goals I hope to achieve in 2019 (and beyond), I plan on “letting go” of things outside of my abilities. And one of the biggest things to “let go of” are the actions of other people that I have no control over. How can I focus on MY GOALS if I continue to bog myself down and waste energy with things I can not change? I can’t! While I can’t change the past, I do have control over my future so with that in mind… Time to focus on what I CAN DO and leave the past in the past!

Wish me luck!

~Jennifer