Setting Goals for Your Future

Be S.M.A.R.T. and write down your goals.

When was the last time that you set goals for yourself? Was it during the New Year? Did you follow through for a few weeks and then stop? If so, you are not alone.

Setting goals for yourself is one of the most beneficial and action-oriented things you can do for yourself. By setting goals, you are increasing your motivation and strengthening your drive. You are allowing yourself to envision your ideal life and you are working towards making this your reality.

Unfortunately, there is a wrong and right way to creating your goals. While writing down and determining your long-term goals is an amazing ability, that is not enough. Goals are best when they are small and attainable. By having goals that you can accomplish and check off, you are more likely to commit to them and continue until you have achieved the “ultimate goal.”  

So when you create your S.M.A.R.T. goals, make sure to include all of the following components:

S: Specific                                                                                                                        M: Measurable                                                                                                                 A: Attainable                                                                                                                        R: Relevant                                                                                                                            T: Time-Bound

So how do you do this:

Step 1: Determine what your long-term goal is Step 2: Break it down into short, small, and specific goals (make sure it answers the “w” questions: who, what, where, which, and why) Step 3: Set deadlines of when you want to attain each of these smaller goals (the final “w”: when) Step 4: Start working toward goal #1 (then #2… #3… etc.) Step 5: Be proud of yourself for reaching your goal

Can’t wait to see what you accomplish with these tips,

Karishma Patel, AMFT