How to Set and Achieve SMART Goals?
A goal is an objective that you set yourself to achieve. Setting goals is important because it gives us a sense of direction. Essentially, goals are like a road map that guide us to our destination and enable us to track our journey.
For goal setting to be effective, goals should be clearly defined. In other words, they should be specific, measurable and have a timeline attached to it. This helps keep track of our progress and ultimately celebrate the successes as a reward for accomplishment.
This web page is dedicated to helping people who wish to set and achieve goals whether it be personal goals, career goals, professional goals, performance goals, or any other goals. We will discuss the importance and benefits of setting goals, how to set SMART goals, goal setting tips, how to keep track of goal achievement, encouraging quotes on goals, how to stay motivated and more.
After having discussed all the above, I will practice what I preach and use this web page to set my own goals for 2012 and keep track of my progress.
Poster (Goal Setting Creates the Finish Line): Buy at AllPosters.com
Benefits of Setting Goals
Why Should I Set Goals?
One of the biggest benefits of setting goals is that they allow you to make your dreams a reality. As Diana Scharf Hunt put it "Goals are dreams with deadlines." By setting goals and having a plan to achieve those goals, you bring them into fruition.
Setting goals helps people bring clarity and focus to what they are doing. As Earl Nightingale once said, "People with goals succeed because they know where they are going. It's as simple as that.". Basically, they become your road map to your destination.
By achieving your goals, you bring about more confidence in yourself and are not only able to help yourself succeed, but thereby help and influence others succeed.
Anyone can set goals, but for goals (i.e. dreams) to become a reality, we must learn how to set effective goals. One of the ways to go about setting effective goals is using SMART goals. To learn more about SMART goals continue reading the next section.
Poster (Goals are Dreams with Deadlines): Buy at AllPosters.com
"A goal without a plan is just a wish." ~ Larry Elder
Setting SMART Goals
How to Set Effective Goals?
There doesn't seem to be compelling evidence as to who was the originator of SMART goals. Some say that Paul Meyer was the first to use it in 1965, others claim its first known use was in 1981 by George Doran. Irrespective, who was the originator, SMART goals have been effectively used to set and achieve goals.
SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant & Time-bound.
• Specific: by making your goals specific, you bring clarity and focus;
• Measurable: helps you keep track of your progress;
• Attainable: keeps your goals realistic and you motivated;
• Relevant: keeps the focus on something you truly want to accomplish;
• Time-Bound: helps you set targets with deadlines.
For example, let's say my goal is to lose weight, now it definitely sounds like a goal, but it's not a SMART goal because it's not Specific, may be you can measure it, but it's not time-bound.
So a SMART goal would be "I want to lose 20 pounds over the next 12 months". Now this goal is Specific in terms of how much weight you want to lose, it's Measurable, it's Attainable if you put a plan in place, it's Relevant to you and it's Time-bound because you've attached a timeframe to it.
Goal Setting 101
How to Set and Achieve Goals
Goal Setting 101 : How to Set and Achieve a Goal!
Amazon Price: $8.95 (as of 02/23/2012)
This book offers solid advice on setting and achieving your goals. Goal Setting 101 helps you to become brilliant on the basics by explaining the Who?, What?, Where?, When?, How?, and Why? of goal setting. You will learn what to do before, during, and after as you pursue any goal.
A great tool for beginners, students and a valuable reference for seasoned goal setters and teachers!
"Set your goals high, and don't stop till you get there." ~ Bo Jackson
Tips to Set & Achieve Your Goals
Effective Goal Setting is a MUST!
As mentioned earlier, for goals to be effective set them using the SMART criteria. In order to stay focused on achieving your goals, use the following tips:
• Write down your goals with specifics;
• Breakdown goals into smaller tasks;
• Make sure that your goals don't conflict with each other;
• Surround yourself with positive, like-minded people;
• Be flexible and ready to tweak your goals;
• Reward yourself after achieving specific milestones.
You may want to watch this short YouTube video on some more tips and examples.
Smart Goal Setting
92 Tips For Using Short Term Goals To Create A Great Life
Smart Goal Setting: 92 Tips For Using Short Term Goals To Create A Great Life
Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 02/23/2012)
Smart Goal Setting : 92 Tips For Using Short Term Goals To Create A Great Life is a simple and easy-to-apply book in which you will discover ninety-two tips for smart goal setting using short term goals that you can immediately use to create a great life in the shortest time possible.
"Goals are the fuel in the furnace of achievement." ~ Brian Tracy
My Goals for 2012
Goals Focused on Online Work in 2012
Ok, now that we've discussed some important aspects of setting effective goals and achieving them, it's time for me to set up my goals for 2012. The goals that I'm going to set below are focused on my online work which is to do with blogging, writing, Squidoo lens building and SEO study.
Each of the goals have actionable steps to help track and achieve them by the respective deadline dates. I will track my goals during 2012 on a monthly basis, so I can keep a check on my progress. So here are my 5 goals for 2012:
Goal #1: Giant100 Status
Achieve Giant100 status by December 2012
Actionable Steps:
• Review lenses in WIP and research new topics;
• Build and publish 2 lenses every month;
• Submit Giant application form by December 31, 2012.
Status: completed 2 Squidoo lenses in January so far, so I'm on track with this goal.
Goal #2: Study and Implement Advanced SEO
Study Advanced SEO and Implement on Lenses by December 2012
Actionable Steps:
• Keep up-to-date on Google's changes to SEO practices;
• Read bookmarked articles and videos on advanced SEO;
• Implement SEO research on at least 2 Squidoo lenses each month.
Status: Read several articles on advanced SEO and changes that have happened in 2011 and 2012 with regards to SEO. Applied some of these SEO strategies on a few of my Squidoo web pages and keeping track of progress.
Goal #3: Ezine Articles & Wizzley Pages
Write 12 Ezine Articles & Wizzley Pages by December 31, 2012
Actionable Steps:
• Review topics to write Ezine articles or Wizzley Pages;
• Write at least 1 Ezine article or Wizzley Page per month;
• Check articles for SEO and keyword research;
• Submit articles/pages for approval.
Status: submitted one EzineArticle which is currently in the approval process.
Goal #4: Blogging
Write 52 blog posts on current blogs by December 31, 2012
Actionable Steps:
• Research topics to write each week;
• Write 1 blog post per week on current blogs;
• Post article on respective blogs, every week.
Status: published four blog posts so far, therefore, I'm on track with this goal.
Goal #5: Video Production
Produce 12 Animoto/YouTube Videos by December 31, 2012
Actionable Steps:
• Research topic for video each month;
• Create one Animoto/YouTube video a month;
• Upload videos to YouTube.
Status: created three new Animoto / YouTube videos on Perplexus 3D maze games, Lazer Stunt Chaser RC Car, and 2012 Nature Wall Calendars.
Goal Setting Books on Amazon
Poll: Goal Setting
What's Your Take on Goal Setting?
Getting and Staying Motivated in 2012
Setbacks are inevitable, DON'T give up!
Personal Goal Setting Ideas & Strategies
Making 2012 Your Best Year Ever by Setting Personal Goals
Making This Year Your Best Year Ever!: Personal Goal Setting Ideas And Strategies To Get You Motivated To Make Positive Change In Your Life
Amazon Price: $15.93 (as of 02/23/2012)
This book is your guide for self-improvement...for making each day, each month, each year your best just yet. The book devotes 10 chapters of sensible and effective suggestions to self-improvement. It is not a one-time how-to handbook with step by step methods but a lifestyle improvement manual devoted to equipping you with the knowledge and the skills for a whole new way of living.
Have You Set Any Goals for 2012?
How are you progressing with your 2012 goals so far?
"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." ~ C.S. Lewis
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CherryDavis
Dec 20, 2011 @ 1:35 am | delete
- SMART goals are the way to go! Here's to 2012, I'm doing my goal setting for the year now instead of waiting for the first of the year to panic!
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ajgodinho Dec 20, 2011 @ 12:23 pm | delete
- Yeah, that's a great you're going to set you goals well in advance. Setting my 2011 goals really helped me and I have pretty much set my goals for 2012, just need to update this lens now. Wishing you all the best as you strive to achieve your 2012 goals!
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JaguarJulie
Nov 6, 2011 @ 3:38 pm | delete
- Oh my, 2011 has flown by in a sense and I'm thinking about what I want to achieve in 2012. It's been a very different set of goals for me, over the past two years. When you contemplate a huge life change, you've got to be realistic about your life goals. I'm hoping to level off in 2012. Next, a single's ad perhaps. ;)
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ajgodinho Nov 7, 2011 @ 3:12 pm | delete
- LOL, I agree, 2011 has flown by way too quickly. Barely keeping up with my goals. I think I'll be able to accomplish most of mine, but I'm running out of time. Time to think about 2012 now and hope it's a fabulous one for you! :)
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Ruthi
Jun 19, 2011 @ 12:18 pm | delete
- You're doing great with your goals. I don't set too many goals, but did set one for this year and that is to self-publish a chapbook of my poetry. Slowly, but surely, working on that goal.
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ajgodinho Jun 20, 2011 @ 10:41 am | delete
- All the best with your goals, Ruthi! I have fallen behind on my Squidoo lens-building goal, but it does help keep track so it's easy to catch up.
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Philippians468
Apr 4, 2011 @ 10:24 am | delete
- i have quite a number of faith goals for 2011 and i am trusting in the Lord to see them come to pass!
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- Wishing you the best as you strive to achieve your goals for 2011...God bless!
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Momsbusy247 Apr 1, 2011 @ 12:24 pm | delete
- I agree with the fact that you have to set a timeline for your goals otherwise they never get accomplished. Nice lens AJ
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- Yeah, setting timelines is key because it helps measure progress and more importantly get there. Thanks for stopping by!
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awelldressedbullet
Feb 14, 2011 @ 8:56 am | delete
- ~ Cupid Kisses by a Squidoo Angel ~
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- Thanks much, Sweetie ~ kisses and blessings back at ya! :)
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TapIn2U Jan 27, 2011 @ 11:16 am | delete
- Let's get focused on our goals! If you want to be successful, find what you want - and love it - and love the process of achieving it! Brilliant lens. Lensrolled it to my 3-step plan to achieve your Goals and New Years Resolutions lens. Blessings! Sundae ;-)
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- Well said my dear ~ I enjoyed your thorough Goals lens as well and it's already lensrolled to mine. All the best as you work towards achieving your 2011 goals...blessings to you too! :)
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Norma_Budden
Jan 24, 2011 @ 12:23 am | delete
- Wow! I was just browsing through this lens in my attempt to lensroll it to my own. We actually use one of the same quotes, only I show it on a poster. LOL. Captcha word is connector.
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- I guess I can say "great minds think alike" ~ the security words sometimes make you laugh! :)
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Norma_Budden
Jan 23, 2011 @ 8:07 pm | delete
- At long last I've finished. What can I say? All in a day's work. :) I'm proud to say this lens has been featured at Setting Goals You Can Achieve. Are you ready to laugh a little? :)
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- Enjoyed your lens and had a good laugh too ~ unique way of presenting and thanks for featuring my lens! :)
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Tipi
Jan 23, 2011 @ 4:03 pm | delete
- I haven't actually written my goals down, I have a few and they are what I work toward everyday. When I attain one goal, I move the marker forward and reach higher. Its working for me, and is what gives me drive to accomplish task. ~ This is a very well thought out and designed AJ, ~ Bless your big heart, and may your goals become realities.
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- You seem to be very focused because you have your goals in front of you everyday (so to speak) and you tackle them one at a time slowly but surely moving in the right direction and higher. Wishing you the best you continue that journey and thanks for your kind words and good wishes as always...bless you! :)
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Licence.
Updated: February 23, 2012
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ajgodinho
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