Be S.M.A.R.T With Your Goals in 2013
The best laid plans are S.M.A.R.T. goals — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based. They are also written.
People who record their goals on paper are much more likely to reach them. [For more information about goal-setting, check out this post by Michael Hyatt or this book by Brian Tracy.]
During the past few years, I’ve been most successful when I write my goals and rewrite them daily, as Mr. Tracy suggests. I wish I had known that tidbit before middle-age…
Keeping my eyes on The Prize, here are some of my goals for this year:
Fitness-related Goals
- I complete 250 workouts by December 31, 2013.
- I have 10 pounds less body fat by December 31, 2013.
Personal Growth Goals
- I read at least 50 books by December 31, 2013.
- I read through the entire Bible (NRSV, this time) by December 31, 2013.
Professional Goals
- I am a certified Precision Nutrition (Level 1) coach by March 31, 2013.
- I am proficient with WordPress by December 31, 2013.
Relationship/Family/Household Goals
- I have at least 12 “date nights” with my husband by December 31, 2013.
- I live in a clutter-free home by December 31, 2013.
Confession: My “real” Goals List includes a few other items, but I need more accountability for the goals I’ve listed above. I’ll share the steps I take in future posts.
During the next week or two, I’ll elaborate on my goals and the steps I’ll use to get to the Finish Line. I’ll probably end up tweaking or changing a couple of items on the list as time goes by. If so, I’ll keep you posted.
If you have goals, are they written or simply in your head? Why do you think most people do not record their goals on paper? What is your #1 goal for 2013?
About Brenda
Morning person. Introvert. Longtime runner. Erratic sleeper. Fitness junkie. Lifelong learner. Coffee addict. Volunteer. Health/Wellness advocate. Coach. Blogger.
Those are some ambitious goals! I have to warn you, though – when I started blogging my reading time went way down. I used to read at least a book a week – now I’m down to about 2 books a month. Reading blogs has taken over so much of my reading time! I’m glad to connect with you.
Thanks, Sharon! I must confess that I cheat a little on the reading. I listen to audio books while I do housework and run errands, which helps. My original goal was 24 books, but I decided to reach higher — even if I don’t achieve it. 🙂