Benjamin Langley submitted two articles to Echievements.com about goal setting he titled, “Be S.M.A.R.T.: Set Goals! Pt 1” and “Pt 2“. Not much original in the articles. Ben could have written one article on the subject. He does, to his credit, remind readers to stay motivated by getting S.M.A.R.T.

Ben’s articles remind me about A “SMART” memo on my Treo. Neither Ben or I created the “S.M.A.R.T.” acronymn. At the moment, I cannot find the source. However, here is what the originator meant (and Ben catches this somewhat).

• S – Specific
• M – Measurable
• A – Attainable
• R – Realistic
• T – Timed

The author, from whom I learned this acronmyn writes, “If you can’t count it, measure it, or describe it in detail, you probably aren’t clear enough to get it.” (By the way, if you know the author, please post a comment.)

Most of us may overlook the essential impact of getting S.M.A.R.T. Before getting smart, you have to possess a vision derived from your interests, gifts, life-purpose, and talents. Your goal becomes structured, takes form, and gets guided by S.M.A.R.T. steps.

Pursuing goals without finding a vision may lead to missteps. So, where-in-the-world do you find your vision that prompts getting S.M.A.R.T?  Self-reflection, feedback from your education, employment, hobbies, and interests. We all have a spark to do something well, but we give up on it easily. Ben Langley says, “The more vivid the goal is in your mind, the more intensely you feel the motivation to achieve it.” Actually, the more confidently you possess your vision, the more likely you will take S.M.A.R.T. steps to make it happen.

Thanks Ben Langley for prompting these thoughts.

History matters when researching culture, government, and what someone did. History does not matter when reviewing your life. A psychiatrist and counselor will disagree because they direct or send you back to your prior life. Even Oprah invites guests who send clients back under hypnosis to a prior life. Some recall ancient experiences as a princess or under attack by ancient enemy warriors. Perhaps these insights and therapeutic events resolve fear and anxiety. I wonder.

Looking forward tilts events in your favor if you use your imagination affectively. Looking backward simply reminds you of past events. Frequent reminders of past events give more focus to those images than to the future you want. Is it really necessary to resolve what you cannot change? Past events are a picture in your biography, mere snapshots of your life landscape.

Do you want to deal with the past? Then forgive those who harmed you. Let go, release, set them free and give yourself freedom from any hold they have on you. You will never change people; that is not your responsibility. What matters is washing away resentment, fear, antagonism, anger, and frustration. What’s the point of holding what you cannot contain or change? Do that during every tomorrow and you’ll die with burdens, disappointments, and unrealized potential.

Forgive yourself. Obviously, “It takes two to tango.” At times we are victims of painful events, but we tango with the event when perpetuating the affect. So, letting go of self-destructive behavior is essential to well-being. If you know you cannot change someone else’s past behavior, what would make you think you can change your past behavior? You can’t. You did what you did, and it’s over, done, finished. Move on. Change your future.

Finally (and most importantly), seek God’s forgiveness. No one can say, “I have never done wrong. I’ve never missed the mark.” We all miss the mark. There are rules to our universe and guidelines for behavior. The most obvious maxim, “Do for others what you would do for yourself.” When you remove burdens from yourself, you validate your forgiveness of others, and you confirm God’s forgiveness.

Read: The Sedona Method by Hale Dwoskin to learn more.