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I hope you have taken the time to list and prioritize your goals, and now for the final step, we are going to make them SMART, and that is,
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Thorough. Making a goal SMART involves adding details such as timelines, amounts, descriptives etc. I know that may sound demanding, but they become more meaningful, motivating and above all, attainable.
For example, Anita dreams of owning a home someday, and this is one of her must-have goals. As Anita reflects on her future dwelling place, she sees in her mind’s eye, a large kitchen and living room because she likes to cook and entertain, lots of windows to let the sun in, a yard for her kitchen garden and a porch where she can sit and enjoy the outdoors in the summer. Living outside of the city where the price of homes are affordable appeals to her. Also, she knows that she would need at least five years to save for the down payment.
After applying the SMART criteria, Anita’s goal of homeownership looks like this.
In five years, I will purchase a home in the country for about $250,000 that has a large kitchen and living room, lots of windows and a yard with a porch.
As Anita reviewed her SMART goal, she felt a sense of comfort. Although no one knows what tomorrow may bring, she knew she was heading in the right direction.
Now it’s your turn.