When writing goals I attempt making them “SMART”

*S-specific

*M-measurable

*A-attainable

*R-realistic

*T-timed

Second, I write them in the first person; my goals are all about me, what “I am”. This may seem rather simple and obvious, but perhaps not for you. Certainly took me awhile to figure the value of writing first person singular goal affirmations.

Third, I write goals in the active tense telling myself what I am doing now, even though I’m not doing “it” yet. Present active tense, saying something for myself as though that circumstance is “present” makes the goal more alive, dynamic, and real. I get tired of what “will be”; I want it now, and my imagination makes “now” possible.

No matter what, write what you want about yourself. Make it positive and hopeful. In fact, you might follow this guideline or rubric for what you write about yourself. Your goal statements should include assertions that are:

*True

*Honest

*Just (not overly self-critical)

*Pure (good for body and mind)

*Loving (always bringing what is best to others in your circle)

*Good Report (always seeing, expecting, and hoping for good news)

Most importantly, write your goals. Everyone seems to have some fragmented idea of goals, but only 3% of us write them. I choose to be in the 3%, and you?

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.