There is a saying that goals are dreams with a plan. Do your goals have a plan? Learn how to create SMART goals.
Using SMART goals is a good way to keep yourself moving forward.
S= specific
M= measurable
A= attainable
R= realistic
T= timed
If your goal does not meet these five criteria, it is not a SMART goal.
For example, say your goal is weight loss. A SMART goal could be to lose 5 lbs in a month. It is specific (not just the vague goal of losing weight). It is measurable (5 lbs, not “be skinny”). It is attainable (you can safely lose 1-2 lbs a week).
It is realistic (losing 20 lbs in a month is not realistic by health standards). It is timed (your end date being exactly a month from today).
You make take it a step further and make it into a sentence. When you create it as a sentence, it is of the affirmation sort. “I am excited to have lost 5 lbs by December 7, 2013!” If you simply had an affirmation stating “I will lose weight”, it’s bound to be ineffective.
Why? Because “will” doesn’t exist in your subconscious.
What is to determine when “will” occurs? It doesn’t occur. It remains a concept that will occur in the future, but that future does not arrive.
The future remains the future in your subconscious. Therefore, make your goal a present tense statement, and attach a feeling to it.
You’re excited to have lost the weight, right? You’re grateful! Attaching the sentiment to your goal adds power to it.
By using SMART goals and formatting them as an affirmative statement, you’re empowering yourself.
Here is an example: “I am amped to be a DEBT FREE by 23 December 20[pick a year]!”