We always hear a lot about setting goals, but how many of us take the time out of our lives to think about what those specific goals are? Furthermore, how many of us are actually writing down our goals and reminding ourselves daily what those are? Good on ya if you are already doing either of these, you're already well ahead of the rest!
As important as it is to brainstorm our goals and write them down, it's equally important that they be S.M.A.R.T. That is to say Specific, Measurable, Agreeable, Realistic, and Time Bound.
Specific – Is the goal specific and well defined: “Get a gym membership” vs. “Get into shape”
Measurable – Can it be measured: “Go for 1 hike per week” vs. “Go outside more”
Agreeable – Do you really want it?: “I'm invested in this goal” vs. “I should do this because someone else wants me to”
Realistic – Is the goal something you can realistically achieve: “Start training for a triathlon next year” vs. “I will do a triathlon next month”
Time Bound – Is there a deadline: “I will increase my clientele in May” vs. “I will increase my clientele”
Try using this method next time you write down some goals. By making our goals SMART and repeating them daily, we help program them into our subconscious minds. It's a huge key to success that too many people today are missing.
-Brian Johnson
Brian Johnson is a writer for, and founder of Elysium Project. A collective of individuals passionate about fostering positive social and spiritual change in the 21st Century.