Building life long habits inside and outside of your career can be empowered by using the SMART goal setting technique.
I discovered this habit empowering, goal setting technique when I read about Scott Ventrella’s work ‘The Power of Positive Thinking in Business’. Scott Ventrella was heavily influenced by Norman Vincent Peale who wrote ‘The Power of Positive Thinking‘ back in 1952, hence, the similarity in the title.
Scott does not say he created the approach I am about to explain but he says he has used it successfully for years in teaching others how to create the habit of effective goal setting so they could achieve their goals. I like the simple approach and being very fond of using teaching acronyms I appreciate the acronym used in the explanation of this technique.
You may or may not have heard of this approach. Even if you have it is worth revising and putting into practice.
It is called ‘the S.M.A.R.T. approach’ and it goes like this.
One
Make your goals ‘S’ for Specific
Write down the details of your goal. Specifically, write down the exact action you wish to achieve. Perhaps it to get a new real estate agent certification. What is the new certification? Details please, tell your mind on paper what you need to have happen. What will you be doing once you have the new real estate certification? Do not just write down “I want to improve my real estate professional skills”. This is too vague for your mind to manifest.
Two
Make your goals ‘M’ for Measurable
As you work to obtain the new real estate certification once you have described it. Then define what steps you need to take so you can measure your progress.
Three
Make your goals ‘A’ for Action Orientated
In keeping with the new real estate certification idea (you can substitute in something else) you need to write down the actions you will take, for example, contact local real estate program, applying for the course, etc.
Four
Make your goals ‘R’ for Realistic
Set yourself a timeline to get your new real estate certification but don’t give yourself an impossible timeline so much so that you are likely not to complete the course or feel stressed doing it. Yes, I believe anything is possible but sometimes setting unrealistically high goals can work against you as they may give you an excuse to not succeed.
Five
Make your goals ‘T’ for Time-bound
Write down when you want to achieve your goal ( new real estate certification) by. Then when you arrive at this point in time check yourself with your measurement guideline. If you have not achieved your goal re-evaluate and work on it again. Most importantly, congratulate you on actually writing down a goal and working on it since less than five percent of people write down any goals and actually take action!
Remember it is a great idea to break down a goal into mini-goals so you can witness your progress and motivate yourself to continue.
Your friend on the journey,
David
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