Achievement is the result of goal-planning and goal-setting. Paving the road in front of you in a strategic manner is as vital as the daily tasks towards your goals. So how can you best chart your course? Start SMARTT with your clear vision in mind and on paper.
Lead with intent, understand the purpose your goal serves in your life. Why is this goal important to you? How will the goal and the work getting to the goal enhance your life. To answer, start with self-knowledge and self-awareness.
Shiela can now take the general goal, aligned with her passion and purpose, and create a SMARTT goal. Smartt Goals are goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, thoughtful, and timely.
Specific
Specificity is essential in goal setting; the clearer your goal, the more precise your steps towards that goal. To set a specific goal, one must ask and answer who, what, when, where, and how.
Measurable
With a specific goal, you can move forward to mapping out a plan, including tasks and any benchmarks. Use the Mavens 101 Goal Planner Worksheet to chart your course
Achievable
In creating a specific and measurable goal, you ascertain the achievability of the plan. Take a step back and ask yourself if what you have mapped out is viable. Make sure you are setting yourself up for success.
Realistic
Now is the time to turn your aspirations into realizations. Take your specific, measurable, and achievable goal; get real and make it real. Create a timeline and action plan that works for you. Prioritize each task by being realistic about what you can accomplish and when you can accomplish.
Thoughtful
Be thoughtful in your planning, actions, and tracking of your tasks and the goal they support. In tracking your goals, be sure to reassess and change any tasks or habits that may stall and become obstacles. If necessary, think of different avenues and means to accomplish your tasks and, in turn, your goal.
Timely
As you go through your day to day, stay on top of your goal tracking. Hold yourself to your preset benchmarks and deadlines. If you miss one deadline, understand how it affects the overall timeline and deadline. Remember what you do today will count for tomorrow.
Other things to consider:
Use your Mavens 101 tools and motivation to keep you going. Motivations can be vision exercises, evening journaling, and self-affirmations. Motivators include your support networks, such as friends, family, and an accountability partner.
Reward yourself – celebrate your wins as you track towards your goal. Self-Rewarding is a good habit as it reinforces the desire to succeed. Every task and every benchmark completed is another step towards your achievement; celebrate your way!
