Freelance and goals.

I've started writing blog posts on a freelance basis for a motivational speaker. It brings in some money towards the house, and I enjoy doing it, so it's worth the time. I've decided to repost them here. They're short, and having them on my own site might push me to blog more regularly.

I won't include the event reviews unless I think they're relevant. But here's the first one, on goal setting. Your thoughts and comments are welcome.

Goals

Do you set goals? A young person I know sets goals every day because they enjoy the boost to their self-esteem when they accomplish them. Their goals range in size and ambition, from "I will be in work by 8am" to "I will not eat bread today." A favourite is "I will smile all day." They repeat it time and again because they love the results and the feeling they have at the end of the day.

They also set weekly, monthly and yearly goals, and have been known to plan as far ahead as five years. More often than not, those goals are achieved.

So how do they do it? How do they make sure their goals don't get ignored or become too difficult to succeed? They use the SMART framework.

S = Specific

What do I want to achieve? Why, where and who else is involved? Get clear on the details before you begin.

M = Measurable

If you don't have a way to monitor progress, how will you know if you're getting anywhere? Break the goal down into smaller targets. If your goal is to climb a mountain, list the steps you'll need to take and when you want each one completed.

A = Attainable

Make sure 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 not going to happen.

R = Relevant

Is this goal right for you? Will it be worth your time? Do you really want it? If you're in doubt, question whether this is the right thing to pursue. Be honest with yourself. You don't want to waste your own time.

T = Time managed

Every goal needs 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 something that will take twelve, just because you want it done sooner. If it will take twelve months, give it twelve months and accept that. Your goal will be easier to achieve.

Following these steps is an ideal start. If you don't achieve a goal, don't treat it as a failure. Use it as a lesson and take the time to reevaluate, using the SMART acronym once more.

When Thomas Edison perfected the lightbulb, a reporter asked him how it felt to have failed so many times. Edison replied: "I have not failed. I've just found ten thousand ways that won't work."