How To Set SMART Goals
How To Set SMART Goals For 2019
See ya, 2018. Thank you, next. (Ariana Grande truly said it best)
Every year we reflect on what the previous year has brought us, the ups and downs, triumphs and failures, and also what we hope the next year will bring. Some wish for the good health of their family and friends, that promotion at work, love, success, etc. We also ruminate on our faults and what we wish were different about ourselves. We set lofty goals and try to make them achievable. “I’ll stop this for 1 month and see how I feel… and then try for longer.”
It’s wonderful that we have this self improving gene inherent in our human nature, but with any goal or resolution, if we want to actually achieve it, we have to make it SMART.
Ah, I see a few nods, a flash of recognition- you probably remember this from college or high school literature.
It’s always good to have a refresher, so let me explain:
S.M.A.R.T.
Specific: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
Measureable:It has to be a measurable goal. “how much” or “how many”, So for example, instead of “I want to save money”, you need to say how much you want to save (I want to save $1,200)
Attainable (or Action steps): What are the steps you are going to take to reach your goal? Want to save $1,200? Well then you will need to save $100 per month, or break it down even further to $50 per paycheck.
Realistic: Is it realistic? Knowing what you know now, is this something you can do if you push yourself? Or is this a fantasy goal? Always set a realistic goal.
Time-bound: When do you want to achieve your goal by? This keeps you accountable and gives an end date. (Example: I want to save $1200 by the end of 2019)
Want to score some free SMART templates you can use to set your goals for 2019? I’ve found some free templates and will attach the link at the bottom of this post for you. Happy Goal Setting!
Now I’ll get a little personal. Let’s take a look back at 2018.
What 2018 brought me:
Learned how to say “the best yes” ( book by Lysa Terkeurst on decision making mentioned in this post
Started the Chasing The Muse Blog
Moved into a new house with my love
Embraced my curly hair for the first time in my life
Adopted a grey point siamese kitten, and named him Sir Pounce (anyone get the reference??)
Traveled out of the country for the first time & countless trips out of state
Became Google Adwords Certified
Made a few new friends that I’m sure will be FFL (friends for life)
Became Marketing Manager
2018 wasn’t all roses though:
Experienced the loneliness associated with graduating and moving to a new city where you don’t know anyone
Struggled with living so far away from family and friends
At the end of 2017, I wrote an instagram post reflecting on the past year, and I described it as a “Catalytic” year. The year prodded at me, grew me, and forced me outside of my comfort zone.
For 2018, I would describe the year as “Building”. I felt that I was laying the groundwork for a mighty structure, establishing a firm foundation and starting to become more comfortable with the labor of the process, all while developing a solid understanding of what I need to do to build the entire structure, not just the foundation.
Photo by Amy Shamblen on Unsplash
Happy New Year, and Happy Goal Setting! I wish you the absolute best in 2019 and can’t wait to grow more with each of you.
To help you out in your goal setting, I’ve found a few good free templates for S.M.A.R.T. Goal Setting here
Tell me, what was the accomplishment that you are most proud of from 2018 and what is your intention for 2019?
Are you setting any S.M.A.R.T. goals?
