Goal-setting for 2006
There's lots of conversations going on this week about New Year's resolutions. Should you make them? What are the chances of your keeping them? You know the drill. Everyone of us have gone through the gamut of making resolutions to turn over a new leaf.
This year, I have decided not to make any resolutions. Instead I am going to set some goals for myself this year. And, to help me make this activity realistic, I decided to use the S.M.A.R.T.E.R. goal setting method proposed by a fellow named Phil Gerbyshak. (Phil took the standard S.M.A.R.T goal method and added two additional criteria.)
Here’s how it breaks down:
S - Goals must be Specific and the more specific the better. State your goal in as exact of terms as possible.
M - Targets should be Measurable. That which you measure will be treasured, so think about what will be the measurement of your achievement of your goal.
A - Goals should have Accountability. Who or what are you accountable to for the goal?
R - Goals must be Realistic. Unrealistic goals will lead to discouragement.
T - Targets should be Time based. Decide your time-table for completion, and stick to it.
E - Goals should be Exciting. Exciting goals will be met far sooner than boring, bland goals.
R - Goals should be Recorded, in a place where you can look at it every day.
Got the picture?
Here’s an example of how I am implementing this process.
My goal this year is to take better care of my health. Using the S.M.A.R.T.E.R. goal setting method. I have restated my goal this way: By the end of 2006, I will have written and self-published an e-book entitled, “Real World Christians”, containing at least 150 pages and available for sale on the web.
Specific – Yes, it is very specific. I have established the length , title and form my authoring will take.
Measurable – Yes, I can measure the progress of the project very easily. I know how many pages I need to complete every day to produce a 150 page e-book in the next year.
Accountability. Yep. I just told you and every other reader of this article of my goal for 2006. I am depending upon you to ask me on a regular basis how I am doing. Send me an email at lmspeir@gmail.com from time to time and check up on my progress.
Realistic. This idea has been ticking in me for some time. I have the skills and the desire to pull this off.
Time based. Certainly. My commitment is by December 31, 2006 this project will be completed.
Exciting. Yes! Although a bit scary, also. I know I can communicate the things God puts in my heart to people that listen to me in person. I am excited about sharing my heart with a bigger audience.
Recorded. You betcha! It’s here on this web site AND it is in calendar.
There you have it. I hope you will be inspired to set some S.M.A.R.T.E.R. goals and get moving. Make this the year you do something great for God!
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