Why just writing a SMART goal often is not enough?

Starting with a SMART goal is a good start.

Where goals come alive is attaching “value” to the goals. How do you do that?

First…

What are your benefits to attaining this goal? If it is a business goal that is related to increasing revenue or profitability, state those benefits to the business. Now what benefit will you gain in your personal life, the personal lives of your family, employees etc.? How will this effect your health and well-being? Will this improve your social life, spiritual life or other areas? Will you be able to develop yourself e.g. go to school, earn a certification or other mental/educational improvement? Bring this goal into every area of your life.

It is not sufficient to say “I will be less stressed” or “I can go on a vacation with my family”. Just like the SMART goal…state it specifically. How do you look when you are less stressed? Where and when are you going on that vacation, who is going and how long are you staying? Draw a picture using your own words!

Now, the painful but necessary part of the goal…

What are your losses to be avoided? If you don’t reach this goal, what are the bad things that will happen. Just like I stated above, in all areas of your life. Draw the picture here as well!

Typically, we avoid looking at the obstacles. Let’s face it, life happens! Let’s look at this now rather than when it happens. When obstacles fall in our path,  we often are reacting instead of responding. What is your first obstacle….YOU! Why you? If you weren’t an obstacle, you would have had this goal completed by now. Why are you the obstacle…fear, laziness, lack of money, focus…explain.

What internal (in company) or external (marketplace etc) obstacles exist?

What is a solution to each obstacle? What actions can be taken to deal with the obstacles? It is a good idea to list the best (least painful) as well as the less attractive (more painful) solutions. Now you have a working list of solutions so that you can refer to those in order if and when the obstacle happens.

So you now have a SMART goal and have attached additional value to it…are you done, NOPE!

Coming soon, taking action, measuring results and never being left alone to accomplish your goal!