Setting S.M.A.R.T.E.R goals.
I recently got together with my racing team to set our goals for this upcoming race season. It’s easy to say, “I want to increase my power:weight” or “I want to be faster.” The thing about goals is that if you set broad ones, you’ll get broad results. You won’t know if you’ve actually attained a goal if it’s not specific.
It’s like if you went into a restaurant and ordered, “something hot and spicy.” Sure, you’ll get something sizzling and tongue-burning, but if you’re a vegetarian, a chicken layered in spices isn’t going to win over your appetite.
Setting specific goals yields specific results. Usually. Sometimes, we don’t reach our goals even though we had the idea narrowed down and took the steps.
Sometimes we just fail – and that’s okay. We can’t always win. Hell, we may never win. I’ve read that failure builds character.
When setting your goal, you should be able to answer the Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
Who is involved in your goal?
What’s involved with your goal? What do you want to do?
When is this goal? When do you want to reach it?
Where are you doing it? Is there a location?
Why do you want to reach this goal? How will it affect you?
Be so specific you can taste it.
When setting your goal, you should be able to track and measure the progress. When you quantify your goal, you can stay focused and see where you’re at – if you’re progressing or regressing.
Measuring and tracking your goals keeps you aware and then you’ll know if you’ve attained your goal.
Is the goal you’re setting realistic? Can you actually achieve this goal in the time frame you set? Do you have the tools and resources you need to achieve this goal?
When setting your goal, is it worthwhile? Will it meet your needs? Does your goal fit in with your overall objective(s) in life? Does it align with your big picture?
Set a date when creating goals. This keeps you accountable. If you never have an end date, then you never have to achieve your goal. Set dates to give yourself a sense of urgency.
Are you excited about the goal? You should be. If you’re not excited about your goals, you’re less likely to work hard to reach them. When we aren’t excited or enthusiastic about things, we’re not going above and beyond for them. Like your job, if you’re not excited about your job, you’re going to give a half-assed effort to get through it. Just like goals, if you’re enthusiastic about your goals, you’re going to half-ass it.
Some people believe they need a reward to reach their goal – other than the achievement of the goal being the reward. Think of something to gift yourself (that won’t deter from the goal – i.e. don’t gift yourself a donut if your goal is to lose weight) when you reach small milestones in achieving your goal. It tends to make it more worthwhile.
Ready to write out your S.M.A.R.T.E.R goals?
Here’s a template for you to get started: S.M.A.R.T.E.R Goals
If your goal is weight loss, gaining strength, endurance, flexibility, or any of the combination, please email me so we can get you to your goal: [email protected]
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