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.

The word enthusiasm comes to language from Greek. It means “in God” with a suggestion that energy, direction, and life meaning come as divine gifts. Finding that inner motivation that prompts you to do what you do best challenges all of us. Some folks just never figure it out; they die disappointed with frustrated possibilities.

A few people find glimmers of what they do best, but never make it the center of their vocation or occupation. The moments of centered, focused, and successful are fleeting, but memorable. For some reason, grasping the moment to make it a life-time flees.

A fraction of the human race gets it; they found it as children, and never let it go. Every event and every expression resounds with enthusiasm. This person brings change and relevance to all that they do. How come so few understand this?

Enthusiasm proves that you are doing what you have always been meant to do.