by Andrea Goeglein
No matter the time of year, when you resolve to strive for a goal, set the goal using one of the many methods that work. I discuss my preferred way in this current LiveHappy Podcast, but there are a host of methods I respect.
One simple method is to create steps by following the acronym S-M-A-R-T-E-R. What I know to be true is that how you complete the acronym for yourself will tell you a lot about your intention around the goals you are setting. Here is what I mean.
S Specific or Simple or …
M Measurable or Meaningful or …
A Attainable or Achievable or Aspirational or …
R Relevant or Realistic or …
T Time-Bound
E Evaluate or Ethical or …
R Record or Readjust or …
For me the key attributes of a goal that you are setting to move you ahead in your overall business and life objectives should have these parts:
- Specific and simple. Be clear with yourself so you get it done instead of stuck in a mental debate about what you are really trying to do.
- Know what it looks like. This is especially important if you have a somewhat intangible goal such as to “increase daily joy”. If you are laughing at that goal, that is another subject for us to discuss. I chose such an intangible goal for a reason. If you don’t have any idea what something looks and feels like in your life, you will never know if it is present. “Increase daily joy” can look like “schedule 20 minutes per day writing with my cat on my lap” or “sit in a park at lunch break and watch young children play” or “listen to the comedy channel as I drive to work.”
- Time-bound. For short term goals, in particular, knowing what you are going to do and when is important. That means you are actually scheduling the task, no matter what the task is.
- Record and Re-adjust is a two-part “must step” for me. Reviewing what you want and adjusting to life changes is very important. That way you don’t stop yourself should life get in the way. In organizational dynamics, this is called Gap Analysis. You evaluate where you are and what has to happen next to close the gap between where you are and where you want to go. You may be 80% there. You don’t have to start over and recreate the goal. You just need to find out what 20% will get you to your goal’s endpoint.
Lastly, goal setting is not a January 1 thing, or a June 30 thing, or any specific date thing. For me, goal setting is a “life chaos” organizing tool. No matter what happens, I have a record to go back to artificially get life back in order. From the artificial point, I can create a new reality to continue on my chosen path.
Any day works, any time of the year is the right time of the year, your goals equal how you invest your life. Happy Investing!
