If you’re finding it difficult to achieve your goals, perhaps you are not creating the right ones. Whenever you create goals, follow the rules for SMART goals: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely. When you combine the elements of SMART goals, you have a greater chance of success.
Specific
Goals need to be specific. Goals that are broad and general may be too difficult to achieve. For example, “Improve my life” is too broad. Specific goals explain what is necessary to complete a goal and guides you as you try to reach that goal. Specific goals may also identify location, requirements, and the reasoning behind the goal.
Measurable
Goals need to be measurable in order to be effective. A measurable goal specifies when a goal is accomplished by answering, “how much?” or “how many?” It provides measurable results. Without measurable goals, it is difficult to realize when the goal has been reached.
Attainable
Goals must always be attainable. It is important that you create goals that are challenging, but they still need to be within reach. When goals are unattainable, you may give up on them without even trying. The measure of a goal should always be attainable.
Realistic
It is important that you set realistic goals. Realistic goals are directly related to your abilities. For example, a goal to reprogram the computer is not realistic if you do not have the education or experience to accomplish the task. Additionally, you need to make sure that you have access to the tools necessary to meet your goals. If a goal seems unrealistic, break it down into smaller chunks to know for certain.
Timely
Always create goals that have specific time frames. General goals do not establish any time frames, which means that you may continue to pursue goals that you should relinquish. Timely goals encourage you to move forward in order to meet the deadline you have established. Once a time frame has been reached, you should take the time to re-evaluate the goal.
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