Have you ever felt that your days have no direction, that you’re working so hard, but going no where? I know I have, and I find it very frustrating. How often do we go busily about our days, anxious about the next thing as time speeds by, with nothing to show for it?
Without specific goals we have no direction and become frustrated because life isn’t how we believe it should be.
It’s good to make plans and set goals. It is by setting goals that wars are ended, individuals lose weight, new medications are developed, families are reunited, and people get off of debt to name just a few. Setting goals help steer our lives towards a defined path. For me personally, I want to set goals that are at the center of God’s will for my life. The Bible says He has plans to prosper me, to give me hope, and a future. Those are pretty high plans and I have a feeling they are even more amazing than what I can dream of.
So how do we set goals? It all begins with a desire in your heart. Let’s say for example that you would like to lose weight. What a great goal! It has the possibility of tremendous outcomes. You may feel better about yourself, have more energy, and become healthier.
It is a vague goal however, and raises many questions. How much weight would you like to lose? When would you like to lose it? How are you going to get there? What will you need to do?
To answer these questions and to help you reach any goals you may have, you must think S.M.A.R.T.
Specific – Your goal must be simple and clear. Answer the who, why, what, where, when, and how. An example could be: I want to lose 50 pounds in one year to improve my health and have energy to play with my children. I will achieve this by walking three times per week for 30 minutes and eating fresh fruits and vegetables at every meal.
Measurable – Identify how you will know you are moving towards your goal. Feeling better is not a measurable goal, but losing one pound per week is.
Achievable – Make sure your goal is realistic and that you have what you need to reach it. Losing 100 lbs in two weeks is not realistic, but 50 pounds in one year is. Do you have the time, money, or any other needed resources to attain your goal? If you want to be the next American Idol but can’t carry a tune even after voice lessons, maybe this is not the goal for you.
Relevant – How important is your goal to you? Is this the right time to work on it? Is it worth it to go through all the effort and investment required to achieve your goal?
Timely – You need a deadline for your goal to help you stay on target. If you don’t decide when you want to lose the 50 lbs, you have no responsibility. Set a completion date, be flexible, and enjoy the journey.