Goal Setting: SMARTERR goals (and objectives)

 

SMARTERR Goals and objectives

Goals

Remember, a goal is where you want to go, objectives are how you are going to get there… the map, or the steps to propel you to the goal.

Consider:

1.     Needs which need to be met.  What are basic unmet needs for you or others you care about?

2.     Issues which need to be resolved.  Are there problems or conflicts that may need to be resolved?

3.     Interests or things you like to do or skills you'd like to gain.  What would you like to be able to do?  What do you enjoy?  What are you interested in?

4.     Strengths you can build on.  What are you good at already?

5.     Resources you have, can find, or develop.  Do you have friends, family, associates who can help... and who you can help?

6.     What is the current situation.  Write down what is going well and what could be going better.  For everything that you write that could be going better, or is a struggle, write two things that are going well.  These could be your own strengths, or things you are grateful for.

How to write a SMARTERR goal Specific (with a baseline) Measurable Achievable/Attainable Results-Focused Time-Bound Evaluate/Enhance/Adjust Reporting/Accountability & Reinforcement/Reward

   

Remember, a goal not written is just a dream.  A dream without a map (objectives) will remain a dream.

S.     Your goal must be specific.  Exactly what do you want to accomplish?  How will your life look differently?  What will you be doing differently once you achieve the goal?  (To the extant possible [legal, moral, ethical], act as if you were what you want to be if the goal is personal change.)You must also write down exactly where you are right now.  What have you accomplished so far?  What are your current assets?  What are you capable of doing right now?  What do you want to be different in six months, six years, sixty years?  (Write it out)

M.     It must be measurable.  Write it out so that anyone could read your goals and know absolutely for sure if you have accomplished it or not.

A.     Make sure it is realistic.  Some people make goals that are too hard or too easy.  A good goal will stretch you, but be attainable.

R.     The goal needs to be focused on results.  There is a difference between process and product.  There is a difference between output and outcome.  Process and output may be, can be very important, but here, you are writing what the outcome will be, what the product will be.  What will the result be.

T.      You write a specific time when it will be accomplished.

E.     During your progress towards your goal, you want to frequently measure your progress and make needed adjustments.  Set specific times to assess where you are and what you need to do differently, if anything.  This should be at least weekly.

R.     You need to have someone you are accountable to.  Someone you report to, at least monthly, if not weekly to discuss your progress.  This can be face to face, on the phone, by e-mail.  This is essential.  It needs to be someone who will be supportive, but also hold you accountable with love.

Reward yourself as you continue on the path towards your goal.  Reward yourself as you accomplish an objective and as you complete the goal.  Simple, inexpensive rewards are almost always best.

Objectives.

To be brief:

Who will do what, when?  These are the specific steps needed to accomplish a goal.

Now:  Get A Round Tuit

and

Just DO IT

For years I have also provided a training on Writing Contextually Mediated Measurable Behavior Objectives.  The training takes about four hours, can be done by zoom but is far better in person.  If interested, leave a comment.