S.M.A.R.T.E.R. Goals in 2012

As the New Year rolls in, the number of people setting goals and resolutions is overwhelming.  Statistics show that 92% of the population that sets goals for the new year will ultimately fail.  This occurs because so many people aren't specific in their goal setting.  They make lists and put a lot of thought into it, but they really aren't ready for the task.  I see so many people just say they want to do "more."  I want to exercise "more", read "more", spend "more" time with my family, or do "more."  What does more mean?  I think that is most likely the number one reason why only 8% of goal setters reach their goals (and I honestly think that 8% is a little high).  Here is an acronym that I believe is essential in reaching your goals.  I have applied this to many areas of my life and I find that is beneficial in accomplishing things that I set out to do.  We have to set S.M.A.R.T.E.R. goals:

S: Specific.  Give yourself details about your goals.  Your focus level will rise if it has specific details.
M: Measurable.  Instead of just doing "more", give yourself a number.  Try to read 30 pages per day or exercise 20 minutes a day doing 50 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, and a 1 mile run.
A: Attainable.  Break your long term goals down into a lot of smaller goals that you can reach on a short term.
R: Relevant.  Make sure that the goals you are setting will benefit you in everything you do.
T: Trackable.  Stay organized.  Make checklists and keep track of all your successes and failures along the way. 
E: Extra Effort.  Some days you will not feel like taking those steps towards your goal.  Do it anyways.  Always give a little more, it will go a long ways.
R: Revise & Review.  Constantly be checking to make sure you are heading in the right direction and you are taking the right steps in pursuit of your goals.  

I firmly believe that setting SMARTER goals will enable us to accomplish a lot more and keep us focused on the task at hand to reach our goals.  Have a Happy New Year and God bless in 2012!


S.M.A.R.T.E.R acronym taken from the book, The Strange Secret of the Big Time by Frosty Westering, 2005.