What are SMART goals, you may ask? These are the stepping stones when it comes to creating a goal that you can successfully achieve. It helps you stay on track of the path you take to
S - Specific
This one is quite simple, but for some, it may be the hardest. The first step of setting a SMART goal is to make sure that your goal is detailed enough to follow. A person that looks at your goal should be able to tell what you want to accomplish from this goal.
Bad example) Read books
Good example) Read books in the non-fiction, mystery, and historical-fiction genre to expand my knowledge.
M - Measurable
Ask yourself this question: Can I follow through my progress? If the answer is yes, then you've achieved this step. If not, don't worry - here's how to do it. To make your goal measurable, you need some sort of unit that can determine whether or not you've met your goal. Here are some examples:
Math problems (10 questions a day); Reading a book (30 pages a day); Exercise (twice a week); Revise for a subject (1 hour a day); Drawing (2 paintings a month) etc
This will make your goal seem more palpable and easy to keep track of. Also, it'll motivate you even more if you achieve a smaller goal everyday, rather than follow one big goal with no apparent time span.
A - Attainable
Is your goal within the realm of possibility? A far-fetched goal will make it harder for you to stay motivated and will get you to stop going for it. It's important that the goal you set helps you develop, instead of forcing you to sprout wings and fly to the finish line.
Bad examples) I will be the best runner in the world by 2 weeks time. Good examples) I'll aim to run 2 km a day because I know that I can run at least 1.5 km without getting too tired.
R - Relevant
When you're aiming to achieve something, you need to make sure that the steps that you take are related to the end result. Going off in different directions and creating sub-goals just for the sake of it won't make you succeed in accomplishing what you want to do. In fact, it'll just tire you out! Let's say that you wanted to become better at a certain topic in maths (say, algebra). Practicing questions on that topic or anything related to it (quadratics, graphing) will help you improve. However, if you go off doing other kinds of maths (or working on a different subject), you won't be able to achieve your goal.
T - Time based
This kind of ties in with the Measurable section, but this looks at the bigger picture. You need to set a realistic time limit on your goal so that you know when you've succeeded in making the goal come true. Chose a deadline that is appropriate for your goal. Breaking down the time you have into checkpoints is also a good idea.
Bad example) I'll finish my painting in 2 days.
Good example) I'll finish my painting in a week; the first two days will be spent sketching, the next three days on painting, and I'll make some finishing touches on the last two.
Next time you plan to achieve your goal, try this method! It's simple and easy to follow!
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