Goal Setting NOW!

Before it’s too late (and it almost is!)... Or before you just scribble some half-hearted, half-planned goals down on a sticky note, schedule time this week to create a more effective plan in executing your goals.

There are numerous methods one can use to create and plan their goals, however, we are going to take a brief look at just one. One in which the individual should step out of their comfort zone, and span out just a bit further. I will note that if you do struggle a lot with goal achievement, begin with more attainable goals but be SURE to include those that force you to spread your wings a bit more later on… This way you will build trust, confidence, and find results.

S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable/Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound).

• Specific – you know exactly what your goal is

• Measurable – you can measure and track your goal

• Attainable – your goal is realistic, and you can achieve it

• Relevant – your goal is exciting and meaningful to you

• Time-bound – you have a clear deadline for your goal

Here are a few examples of SMART goals.

1. Walk 30 Minutes a Day, 5 Days a Week

Health is wealth, and exercising for a recommended 150 minutes a week can reduce your risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, etc.

You can achieve this goal by brisk walking for 30 minutes a day on Mondays – Fridays. You may further break it down to 15 minutes each for morning and evening.

2. Improve Your Listening Skills

Whether it is discussing with a spouse, a colleague at work, team members, or a casual friend, most people are swift to talk but slow to listen. You can know whether you are improving your listening skills by asking for feedback after you have made your contributions.

For example, ask questions like “Has my answer addressed your concerns?” or “Is there anything else I can help with?” You need to listen more to let people know that their opinions really matter to you, making this one of the best SMART goals examples.

3. Improve Your Time Management Skills

Be more focused on achieving daily tasks. Minimize distractions and increase productivity by, say, 40% over the next 3 months. Try creating to-do lists or using scheduling apps on your phone to keep you on track.

One of the most useful tools can be time management. It makes sense on all levels of resources (your energy, time, finances, and more)... here are a few more tips to help you go above and beyond.

1. List your time wasters (create a list of things you know are time wasters and keep that list near your side.. When you catch yourself doing them, go onto something more productive- for example: playing games on your phone).

2. Hide or uninstall or set a time limit on social media. (phone diet is a great way to accomplish so much more!).

3. Prioritize (do the most important things first, and/or I like to be sure to tackle those that are giving me the most stress)

4. Set mini day goals with action items and then set timers on your computer or phone. (tip: this is also a great way to get in your ‘steps” or exercise by setting a timer for every 50 minutes to get up and walk for 5 minutes is proven to be super effective in all areas of life!).

5. Make use of dead time. I see this a lot on flights, at doctor's offices, and then some… make use of those minutes by reading, writing, or having smaller tasks you can pick up and easily do while you wait.

Consider joining us for our group zoom meeting where we will tackle goal setting in detail this January! CLICK HERE for more information.