Do you have S.M.A.R.T. goals?

We all need goals.  Whether we are striving to achieve a new position at work, a new PR in our sport, or lose our last 10 pounds; setting a plan in motion to achieve our goal is crucial.  And that leads to my theme for this newsletter, "Goal Setting".  What process do you follow when setting a goal for yourself?  One trick I use is the SMART method.  Let me know if you find this useful in setting your goals this summer.

[tweet_box design="box_12"]“It’s not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives. It’s  what we do consistently.” ~ Anthony Robbins[/tweet_box]

SMART goals must be “Specific”, “Measurable”, “Attainable”, “Realistic/Relevant”, and “Time-based”

For example, to prepare oneself for an outdoor activity like the Grouse Grind, a 10km race or the Tough Mudder, here’s how you can use SMART training:

Specific:

Name your goal and keep it front of mind and always in sight. Share it with your networks – speak it out loud – and ask them to hold you accountable to reaching your goal. Accountability is a powerful motivator and if used properly can propel you forward even on those days when you find yourself wishing you If your goal is to complete the Grind in 45 minutes, then make it so and work towards hitting that goal.

Measurable:

How are you measuring your progress? Can your goal be measured? The Grind is a perfect example of a measurable, time-based goal. Pick yourself up a handy Grind Timer and measure your ascent times each time your complete the Grind. If you find your times are improving, then you know you are progressing in the right direction and getting closer to reaching (and exceeding) your goal of 45 minutes.

Attainable:

I’m all about setting your sights high when it comes to goal setting, but If you are currently hiking the grind in 90 minutes, it might be overambitious to hope to cut your time in half within one season. The last thing you want to do is set a goal that isn’t within reach. Make the goal attainable and celebrate when you achieve it, then set a new goal. I’d recommend setting goals that you know you can hit with a bit of hard work. It will motivate you that much more knowing that you are just around the corner of reaching a milestone in your training.

Realistic/relevant:

Are you goals realistic? Let’s take the previous example and suggest it takes me 90 minutes to complete the Grind. It would be unrealistic of me to think training one day per week would give me the endurance needed to hit my goal of a 45 minute ascent. Our goals should be realistically based on our commitment to our program. Set yourself up to win!

Time-based:

When do you plan to hit your goal? Set a date and put a timeline on your training and most importantly be consistent. Block your calendar and commit to your reaching your goal.

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Need help setting your Summer goals?

I'd be happy to help walk you through the process.   Just let me know.  Remember, when setting your goals, know your  WHY.   (Here's my  WHY )

What's your WHY? 

What does it mean to break the cycles and habits that keep us from advancing or improving?  What drives you to do the things you do?  All of these are questions we need to ask ourselves daily and once we find the answers, we can set our sights on our goals and let our passions drive us.

Go to it!  Get your success...

...deep down, you already know the path to follow and it's just a matter of taking that first step and creating the momentum to follow through.  I believe in you as do others in your spheres of influence, cut out the nay sayers and stick with the positive people and reach your goals and live the life you want.

Do you have an accountability coach?

Email me directly and I will help you find your success.

WARNING, only do this if you are committed to following through 120%.  I'm excited to help you get results...

And remember,  Always Keep Moving !

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