Every year represents an opportunity to reset our goals. If we want to achieve professional and personal success we must go further than good intentions that we abandon as days pass.
The key to success consists in knowing our goals and not dispersing efforts unnecessarily.
To Establish clear and effective goals I recommend to use the SMART system. This technic is used by organizations when they develop their strategic plans.
What is SMART about?
S.M.A.R.T. is a resource in which every letter represents an adjective that describes an effective way to establish our goals.
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Relevant
Timely
1. Specific
What I want to achieve?
To define our goals, it´s essential to describe in detail what you want to achieve in the future. Choose a subject that you want to improve and establish a goal.
If your goal is very complex it might help to set little goals that settle and reinforce the principal goal.
2. Measurable
To know the success level of a goal it's important to establish indicators. Which numbers I'll use to measure this goal?
Every goal can be measured and it's the best way to evaluate it. For example, if you want to work less, How many hours less a day? If you want to read more, how many books do you want to read this year? Break down your goal into numbers that you might easily understand.
This characteristic is one of the most relevant factors in continuous improvement process and quality.
3. Attainable
When establishing your goals, ask yourself. Can I Do it?
It doesn't matter what you want to accomplish, what truly matters is knowing if you can really do it, otherwise, you will be losing time.
Goals must adjust to your reality and environment, in a way they are challenging and not unrealistic expectations. Know your actual situation, identify your talents and limits. Consider the available resources you can use to achieve your goals.
4. Relevant
Your goal must have a clear meaning, to clarify this section you should ask yourself: How does achieving this goal will help me?
It's important to understand the "whys" of each goal you set your mind to, otherwise, you will never accomplish something concrete in your life.
5. Timely
How long does it take to achieve this objective?
A goal must take place in a specific period, otherwise, it could be extended indefinitely, taking us to a loss of interest that might impact in our achievement.
When you define a date to achieve your goal you establish a compromise.
Resources
Goals: How to get everything you want faster than you ever thought possible, Brian Tracy, 2010
by: Andrés Mayo Gongora
