If you've got a dream you want to turn into a reality, set SMART goals.
Goals are a powerful vehicle to get you from where you are to where you want to be. They become your route map and help you to move towards your destination.
Achieving your dreams depends on setting goals and achieving them. A clearly defined goal that you can see in your mind's eye, helps to provide the motivation you need to do what you need to do.
To be effective your goals need to be
Specific
You need to know exactly where you're going.
- Have a clear destination.
- Specify exactly what you intend to do.
- Break your goal down into small, manageable chunks.
- How long will it take to achieve your goal?
- What will you see when you reach it?
- What will you have?
Measurable
- How will you know when you have reached your goal?
- Identify specific markers along the way so that you can see your progress.
When you measure your progress it helps you to stay on track. Decide how you will measure your progress and how often you’ll monitor to make sure that you’re still on track.
Achievable
You can achieve most goals when you plan well and give yourself a realistic timeframe. Set yourself goals that will stretch you and take you out of your comfort zone. Don't set the bar so high that you set yourself up for failure. Your goal needs to be motivating not intimidating.
Realistic
By realistic, I mean set a goal that you're both willing and able to work towards. Make sure that your goal takes into account where you are now. Beware of setting goals without appreciating the obstacles or understanding how many skills you need to master on the way. Don't let other people set unrealistic goals for you.
Time Specific
A goal is only a dream if it doesn't have a deadline. If you don't have a deadline, you're unlikely to make your dream a reality. Be specific - by the end of next week, by 30th May. If you don't set yourself a deadline, your commitment will be vague and you're less likely to reach your goal.
"If you don't know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else." Lawrence J. Peter"
"Some of the world's greatest feats were accomplished by people not smart enough to know they were impossible." Doug Larson"
"I don't care how much power, brilliance or energy you have, if you don't harness it and focus it on a specific target, and hold it there you're never going to accomplish as much as your ability warrants." Zig Ziglar"
"Don't be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated; you can't cross a chasm in two small jumps." David Lloyd George
Now, go and find something that makes your heart sing and set yourself SMART goals to help make your dream a reality.
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