SMART

As one year ends and another begins it allows time for reflection.  There are those things that we did well.  They often bring a smile.  The things we did not do so well or could have done better.  And of course, the things we wished we had done but didn’t.  The latter brings the most regret.
One of the universal principles of achievement involves that of goal setting.  The writing down of individual things we would like to achieve.  There is a corresponding relationship between those things that we set out to do and actually end up doing.
It needn’t be complicated.  A piece of paper, a pen and a few minutes of your time.  If you have never done this before start with numbering the page with 10 goals.  Which ten?  That’s entirely up to you.  As a starting point you might include those that fall into the following categories; personal, relationship, community, health, spiritual and financial.
There are certain keys to improve your success and they might best be described by the acronym SMART.  This stands for specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely.
Let’s pick the most popular topic that all of us wish to achieve as goal #1 -our health.  We might write, “I wish to improve my health.”
Smart choice but is it SMART?  Not so much.  Let’s refine.
I will walk one loop of the Canyon View Trail in less than one hour by April 30.  Specific? Check.  Measurable-yes.  Attainable?  For many.  Realistic?  For many but not all.  Time specific?  Yes.
This may not be your goal but it may serve as an example on how to increase your odds of success.
As this column has a financial focus let’s add a few ideas.  #1 I will eliminate my credit card debt by paying down $300 per month making me debt free by July 2015.  Or, I will build my savings account by $500 per month starting in February until I have $10,000 in savings by October 31.  If within 5 years of retirement, I will meet with my financial advisor to update my retirement plan by March 1.
The addition of small rewards for meeting your goals can also help.
Small goals may be achieved independently while larger goals will likely require the assistance of additional support as in partners, coaches and advisors.
What goals do you hope to achieve in 2015?  Are they SMART?