Goal Setting 101

TLDR: Setting goals is essential for significant personal growth - this drop outlines the SMART method for setting effective goals.

Key Takeaways:

• Goal setting is a proven method that helps you focus on what matters most and push yourself to achieve what your goals
• The SMART framework is a popular and useful way to guide your goal setting process
• SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, and Time sensitive

Goal Setting 101:

Setting goals. Something you’ve likely heard about from your parents, your teacher, or maybe your company's Human Resources department. Hate to say it, but they’re actually on to something. According to a Harvard Business School study on goal setting, the 14% of people who regularly set goals are 10 times more successful than those who do not.

Goal setting is an excellent way to push yourself to achieve the impossible and is commonplace amongst ultra successful people (go figure). Ever heard of a comedian/actor named Jim Carrey? Well, in 1990 he was living out of his car struggling to make a name for himself, and he needed motivation. He decided to write himself a blank check for $10 million. Carrey would keep the check in his wallet as a reminder of how badly he wanted to become successful. Of course, as most of us now know, Jim Carrey achieved his goal and then some. It is important not just to set goals for yourself, but to remind yourself of them every day. The hungrier you are, the more likely you are to achieve your goals. 

The process of goal setting is valuable in itself. While it may not seem like the most fun exercise, sitting down and setting goals forces you to take a step back and focus on what YOU want. How much time did you spend planning your last vacation, or trying to beat level 712 of Candy Crush? Yes, those things are important, but… imagine if you spent a fraction of that time making a plan to achieve your life goals or career aspirations. 

If you’re new to setting goals, the SMART framework is a great starting point. As the name suggests, the SMART framework suggests that goals should be:

Specific - Clearly state what you want to achieve. Don't leave any room for interpretation when setting your goals.

Measurable - Ensure that your goals can be tracked and measured. If you can tie numbers or a specific outcome to your goals, it will be easier to gauge when you have achieved them.

Actionable - Goals must be something you can take action on. What are the things you can do to achieve this goal?

Realistic - Set goals that will push you to your limits but are achievable. You can always recalibrate and set a new goal after the first stage is achieved. Consider writing short-term (1 month), mid-term (3 month), and longer-term (12 month) goals.

Time Sensitive - Giving yourself a deadline for a goal will help you to stay focused. Humans perform better when held to a deadline. 

Let's say you are an artist and entrepreneur, here is what a SMART goal might look like:

I will sell my canvas paintings on Etsy. Within 8 weeks, I will sell 10 canvas paintings. I will start my journey by creating my Etsy account tonight. Selling my paintings will be rewarding and help me earn money to pay off the remainder of my student loans. 

Apply the SMART framework to any goal you set for yourself. We know you're one of the 14%! Set goals for yourself and hold yourself accountable, friend. 

Oh yeah, and don’t forget to celebrate when you achieve them. 

Learn something new. 

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