How to Set Actionable, Attainable, Life Changing Goals
If you’re anything like me — you see September as a new beginning. Fresh off summer and ready to be productive as heck.
But, let me ask you this one little question before you dive off the deep end into the world of 1 million to-dos, kids soccer practice, and holiday prep that’ll be here before you know it.
What are your intentions?
Where do you see yourself one month from now?
Even three months from now?
What are your actual GOALS?
Okay, that was more than one question. And I know, answering these might feel a bit overwhelming.
Because setting SMART, attainable, actionable goals is hard. And they’re a far cry from declaring at the top of your lungs — I vow to be healthier…
Which is why I want to share a structured method of goal setting with you today. One that'll help you put pen to paper. And paper to reality.
It's a process I use with almost all my clients... and let me tell you, it works.
How to Set S.M.A.R.T. Goals
Get Specific
I’m being perfectly honest here.
Saying "I want to be healthy" doesn't cut it.
Instead, ask yourself:
What exactly do I want to achieve?
Where?
How?
When?
Why?
With whom?
A specific goal looks something like this:
“Over the next four weeks, I want to start eating green vegetables at both lunch + dinner and stop buying processed foods so I can gain more energy, look better in my jeans, and set a good example for my children.”
Make It Measurable
This means that you know exactly what it is you will see, hear, and feel when you reach your goal. The concrete evidence that you're on the right track.
Clearer skin.
Greater focus at work.
Looser jeans.
A fridge filled with more fruits + veggies.
Walking 10,000 steps each day.
5-minutes of morning stretches.
Is it Attainable?
Think about your goal. Then, ask yourself. Is this something I can truly put forth the effort and resources to achieve?
Weigh the effort, time, and other costs your goal will take against all of the other obligations and priorities you have in life.
There's nothing stopping you from shooting for the stars and going BIG. Just make sure you know the costs involved and plan for them. Then, go for it!
gotta Be Relevant
This one always throws people for a loop.
Is reaching your goal relevant to you? Does it actually fit into and enhance the life you currently have? Or push you towards the life you want?
What is the objective behind your goal? And will this goal actually help you get there?
Timeliness Matters
And lastly, give yourself a deadline.
But also be realistic and flexible — because life happens.
First, you’ll make a plan, then set a timeline. One you know you can stick to as best you can.
Setting intermediate goals to help keep yourself on track and motivated towards achieving the larger end game helps tremendously too. Let’s say you’re aiming to walk 10,000 steps each day. The trick is starting off with 5,000 as your goal. Then building from there — 7,500, then 10,000.
There you have it! An inside look at how I work with my clients on setting S.M.A.R.T, attainable, life-changing goals.
So grab yourself a journal (or your Notes app), make some tea, and get writing.
And if you feel like you need that extra push to hone in and identify your goals — apply for your complimentary coaching session. We’ll dig deep and make a plan so that those seemingly lofty goals become a reality.
