So I’ve started writing blog posts on a freelance basis for a motivational speaker. It’s some money towards the house and going out and I enjoy doing it so its all worth it. I decided that I’m going to repost them here. They’re only short and it may push me to blog a bit more properly.

I’m not going to include the event reviews unless I think it’s relevant but here’s the first one on goal setting.

Your thoughts and comments would be welcome.

Goals

Do you set goals? A young person I know sets goals for every day because they enjoy the boost to their self-esteem when they’re accomplished. Their goals range in size and merit and include anything from “I will be in work by 8am” to “I will not eat bread today!” A favourite is “I will smile all day!” It is repeated time and again because they love the results it brings and the feeling they have at the end of the day.

They often set weekly, monthly and yearly goals too and have been known to go as far as five year goals. More often than not the goals are achieved.

So how do they do this? How do they make sure that the goals don’t just go ignored or become too difficult to succeed. They uses the SMART acronym.

S = Specific
M = Measurable
A = Attainable
R = Relevant
T = Time managed.

S = Specific
What do I want to achieve? Why and where? Who else is involved?

M = Measurable
If you don’t put a way of monitoring the goals status how will you know if you’re making progress? Break the goal down in to mini target. If your goal is to climb a mountain the list the things you’ll need to do to achieve it and when you want each stage done by.

A = Attainable
You need to make sure that you can actually achieve this goal. There’s no point saying “I’ m going to turn into a bird!” when you already know it’s just not going to happen.

R = Relevant
Is this goal right for you? Is it going to be worth your time? Do you really want it? If you’re in doubt then you need to question if it’s the right thing for you to do. Question this seriously because you don’t want to waste your own time.

T = Time managed
All your goals need to have a realistic time limit. “I will have this done in six months” is perfectly acceptable as long as it is realistic. There is no point giving yourself six months for a goal that will realistically take twelve just because you want it done sooner. If it’ll take twelve months then give it twelve months and accept it. Your goal will be easier to achieve!

Following these steps is an ideal start to achieving your goals. If you don’t achieve one then don’t take it as a failure, use it is a lesson and take the time to reevaluate the goal, once again using the SMART acronym.

When Thomas Edison perfected the lightbulb a reporter asked him how it felt to have failed so many times previously. Edison replied “I have not failed once, I’ve just found 10’000 ways that won’t work!”