SMART Goals

 SMART Goals  In 2023 you will want to be smart about your goals. Using the SMART goal method, you will surely reach all of your goals in 2023!  Your goal should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant & Time-bound. If you need a refresher, or have never heard of SMART goals, read below to learn all about it.

Specific  The "S" in SMART goals means specific. The goal you choose should be Specific. Having a specific goal will be beneficial to you achieving your goal. These questions will help you specify your goals.

1. What goal do I want to achieve?

2. Why is this goal important to me?

3. Who is involved? <OR> Who can help achieve this goal?

4. Where will this goal take you? <or> Where do you need to be to achieve it?

5. Which resources can be used to help you, and are there any limits involved?

Measurable The "M" in SMART goals means measurable. You will want to have some way to measure your goal, thus making it a Measurable goal.  Being able to track your progress will help you stay on track as well as stay motivated. Assessing progress helps you to stay focused, meet deadlines, and feel the excitement of getting closer to achieving your goal. A measurable goal should address questions such as:

1. How much?

2. How many?

3. How will I know when it is accomplished?

Achievable The "A" in SMART goals means achievable. You should choose a goal that is realistic and Achievable to be successful. That doesn’t mean it will be easy, growth happens when you are stretched and challenged. While setting your goal, you may be able to identify previously overlooked opportunities or resources that can bring you closer to it. An achievable goal will usually answer questions such as:

1. How can I accomplish this goal?

2. How realistic is the goal, based on other constraints, such as financial factors?

Relevant The "R" in SMART goals means relevant. Your goal should not only be important to you but should be Relevant to other goals you are working on. During this time, you will need  support and assistance from others, just be sure you maintain control over your goal. Though you are getting help, remember that you are responsible for achieving the goal. A relevant goal can answer "yes" to these questions:

1. Does this seem worthwhile?

2. Is this the right time?

3. Does this match our other efforts/needs?

4. Am I the right person to reach this goal?

5. Is it applicable in the current socio-economic environment?

Time-bound Last but not least, the "T" in SMART goals means time-bound. This goal needs to be Time-bound; a target date set so you can make deadlines that you will work towards . Having target dates set for your  SMART goal helps to prevent everyday tasks from taking priority over your longer-term goals. A time-bound goal will usually answer these questions:

1. When?

2. What can I do six months from now?

3. What can I do six weeks from now?

4. What can I do today? Get ahead of the game and start planning out your SMART Goals today! Following these steps and taking time to really dig into your goal, will help you to achieve it.  For more resources on this subject here are a few articles that can help you out:

Resource 1: SMART Goal Examples

Resource 2: Stylish Goal Setting Worksheets If you are thinking about buying your first home in 2023, using this method would be very helpful to achieving that goal of home ownership. If you have any questions about buying your first home, we would love to help you. Feel free to contact us any time.

Check out our next BLOG POST  Tuesday, January 2, 2023!