Learn How to Write S.M.A.R.T Goals!

The importance of writing down your goals with a plan on how you are going to accomplish them is vital.

According to studies done at Harvard and Dominican University, those who wrote down their goals achieved more than those who did not.

For the Harvard study, students were asked if they had set clear written goals for their future.

Only 3% of the students wrote down their goals with a plan, 13% had goals but didn’t write them down and 84% had no goals.

After 10 years, the same group of students were interviewed again and the result of the study was astonishing. The graduates who wrote down their goals including a plan on average were earning 10x the amount as the other 97% percent of the class.

The study demonstrates that if you plan on how you are going to achieve your goal, then it allows for your goal to become more achievable. This leads you on a journey that has a destination.

Check out our S.M.A.R.T steps to take when writing your goals.

1. SPECIFIC – Make your goal specific!

Give yourself direction so you can hit the ground running. The best way to make your goal specific is to know ‘when’, ‘who’, ‘what’ and ‘where’

For example:

‘By the end of 2016 (when), I (who) am proudly earning an income of $____ a year as a Manager (what) at [insert company name] (where)’

Other examples:

‘In July 2016 (when), I (who) am travelling (what) around [country] (where)’

‘In October 2017 (when), I (who) am an owner of a [car] (what)’

‘This year (when), I (who) have purchased my first investment property (what) in [insert state] (where)’

‘Before the New Year (when), I (who) consolidated all my debt (what) and saved $____ per month’

2. MEASURES – What measures will you take in order to execute your goal?

Your plan is how you see, hear or feel the goal being achieved.

The goals noted in step 1 is the result of planning the actions to succeed.

‘I am speaking to [insert name] to discuss being promoted to a management position’

‘I am being paid $____ per fortnight, which is being deposited into my bank account’

Other examples:

‘I am speaking to my friends about planning a trip to [insert country]’

‘I’ve spoken to Daniel about purchasing a [insert car] and what my repayments will be’

‘I am saving $____ per week and using the money for a deposit to purchase an investment property’

‘I am speaking to Daniel to consolidate my debt and secure me a better finance deal’

3. ATTAINABLE – Is it possible?

Don’t rely on another person or luck! Write down a goal that is possible for you to achieve. You have to ask yourself: ‘Can I achieve this goal and am I in control of achieving it?’

Here are some example of an unattainable goal:

‘My partner/wife/husband is earning $_____’

‘I am going to lose 15 kilos in 1 week’

For the goal to be attainable, rephrase it:

‘I am helping my partner/wife/husband to earn $_____ a year’

‘I am going to lose 10 kilos in 6 months’

4. REALISTIC – C’mon!

Get motivated and stretch the goal out. Give yourself a challenge but make it realistic!

Don’t stretch it so far that you lose motivation. Losing motivation is disastrous when trying to achieve your goal.

5. TIMING – Deadlines!

When do you want to achieve it? Always incorporate ‘when’ into your goal. If you mix an achievable goal with a deadline, you’re bound to be motivated! Giving yourself a deadline will keep you focused and give you a sense of urgency.

Just remember:

Begin with I – it’s your goal, own it. Write in present tense – feel that you have already achieved it. Be specific – feel the accomplishment. What do you see, hear and feel?

By the way, the S.M.A.R.T steps aren’t set in stone. You can use the steps in any order that feels right with you, for example:

• Measure
• Attainable
• Timing
• Realistic
• Specific

As long as it meets the the criteria, you’re setting yourself up for a greater chance of success!