SMART is a convenient acronym for the set of criteria that a goal must have in order for it to be realized by the goal achiever.

• Specific: In order for you to achieve a goal, you must be very clear about what exactly you want. Vague goals produce vague results. Be intentional in your goal setting.

• Measurable: It’s crucial for goal achievement that you are able to track your progress towards your goal. That’s why all goals need some form of objective measuring system so that you can stay on track and become motivated when you enjoy the sweet taste of quantifiable progress.

• Achievable: Setting big goals is great, but setting unrealistic goals will just de-motivate you. A good goal is one that challenges, but is not so unrealistic that you have virtually no chance of accomplishing it.

• Relevant: Before you even set goals, it’s a good idea to sit down and define your core values and your life purpose because it’s these tools which ultimately decide how and what goals you choose for your life. Goals, in and of themselves, do not provide any happiness. Goals that are in harmony with our life purpose do have the power to make us happy.

• Timed: Without setting deadlines for your goals, you have no real compelling reason or motivation to start working on them. By setting a deadline, your subconscious mind begins to work on that goal, night and day, to bring you closer to achievement.

 

These are aspirational goals not SMART goals:

• I will get healthy
• I want to be rich
• I will provide good customer service

 

SMART goal examples:

• I will lose 10 pounds by October 31
• I will finalize my business plan by December 31
• I will save $10,000 by June 1

 

Create your SMART goals below. Then, as you think about your goals, consider what's important to you about these goals and how motivated you are to achieve them.

Be prepared to discuss what these goals will give you and how they will make you feel once you've achieved them with your coach.