Key Components to Achieving Your Goals

Have you ever been really excited about an idea or goal only to realize later you never took action or started but never followed through? We have all been there. We set this grand goal for ourselves and say over and over, “I will do this,” but then for one reason or another we struggle to follow through. Why? Let’s get back the basics of goal setting.

Just because you may struggle does not always mean it wasn’t meant to be. It could be that you just need to change the way you are going about it. Change the actions, not the goal. What do you need to make a goal achievable? Start by asking this. . .is it SMART?

A SMART goal is:

S-Specific

When setting a goal, be specific about what you want to accomplish. This isn’t a detailed list of how you are going to meet a goal, but it should include an answer to the popular ‘w’ questions: who, what, where, when, and why.

M-Measurable

What metrics are you going to use to determine if you meet the goal? Make it tangible. Set some milestones by considering specific tasks to accomplish.

A-Achievable

How important is this new goal to you? Are you willing to develop new skills or change your mindset to achieve it? This goal is meant to inspire motivation, not breed discouragement. Think about how to accomplish the goal and if you have the tools/skills needed. If you don’t currently possess those tools/skills, consider what it would take to attain them.

R-Relevant

Ask, why am I setting this goal now? Is it aligned with my overall objectives?

T-Timely

Is it realistic timing? Pick a deadline or time period you would like to achieve the goal. If the goal will take three months to complete, it’s useful to define what should be achieved half-way through the process. Providing time constraints also creates a sense of urgency.

Aside from forming a SMART goal, there is one more thing you might need. Accountability! Once you have the goal, you need someone to keep you accountable and that’s where I come in. A coach is meant to be an unbiased, objective, encouraging, and motivating voice in your life. Friends and family might not always be able to help in this area. As a coach I can help you discover what success is to you and take you from where you are to where you want to be by providing tools (Like the one above) and asking the right questions.

You can accomplish your goals! I’d love to be a part of your growth journey. Send me an email at courtneygclucas@gmail.com and tell me what you would like to accomplish. Let’s get started!