Goals are very important in our lives; they serve as a direction and guidance for us. As soon as we were born, we did start walking on the path of life. As a new born, or even as a baby, we just kept on walking as we did not have any aim or goal. As we grew up and experienced our surroundings and environment, we start getting ambitious and started making plans for our future. In other words, we started making goals and now we are walking on the path of life towards our goal. The question is what type of goal do we have? Does our goal actually provide a true guidance to our lives?
Setting SMART goals provides proper direction which leads successfully towards the accomplishment of our goal. Setting goals are easy, anyone can set a goal, but the biggest challenge is to set SMART goals.
SMART:
Specific: Goals should be as specific as possible. For instance, goal to earn a lot of money in future; sure it’s a goal. On the other side, a Specific goal will be to earn $1 million in next 3 years; now this is a more specific goal as it tells you to earn “$1 million” instead of just “money” and gives you specific time frame of “3 years” instead of sometimes in “future”.
Measurable: There should be a way to measure the progress towards goal. Having ability to measure goal makes you feel good, will continuously encourage you to accomplish your goal to the fullest and will keep you away from cheating. Now the question is how do we measure our progress? You can either make a simple log of what you have earned. To measure my progress precisely, I personally use excel spread where I record my investment/ expense vs. my earnings/ revenue. This helps me measure my exact progress continuously from my investment to breakeven to my earnings.
Attainable: Goals should be within your reach and this is possible only if they are set by YOU and NOT by SOMEONE ELSE. Goals should be set in a way that would motivate you and encourage you to meet your goal no matter what. Everyone wants to earn a lot of money to gain financial freedom, but the goal of earning $1 million in next 3 years to buy your dream house and car, or you may want to be able to earn $1 million so that you can “fire your boss” in next three years. In other words, your specific goal should be tied to your dream, because dreams are the most motivational tool towards accomplishing your goal.
Realistic: Goals should be set in a way that they are possible to accomplish. Do not set a goal that is impossible. Setting an impossible goal just leads you towards failure. For instance, a goal of earning $1 million in next 5 days is almost impossible (almost is because if you win a lottery, it is possible), yet earning $1 million through your business or hard work will require 2 to 3 years depending on your dedication and this is a reality.
Time-Based: Set a specific time on until when the goal should be accomplished. Create short term goals in order to accomplish your long term goal. In other words, the goal of earning $1 million in next 3 years can be fulfilled if you are making $334K per year, so your short term goal will be to earn $334K per year. This will make it easier to measure your progress towards your long term goal of $1 million in next 3 years. In addition, it keeps you motivated on a continuous basis to work harder and harder towards your goal.
In order to accomplish your SMART goals successfully, create a step by step plan and make a commitment to follow that plan strictly. As you take each step on the path of your life, you are getting closer towards your goal. Do not look back, keep on walking on the path of excellence and success will definitely follow you.
Thank you,
Purvi Parikh
www.smartearningsopportunity.com
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