Tending to your Dreams and Desires with the SMART Method

Published on: April 25, 2023

by Art Florentyna

Personal Development Coach

Setting Personal Goals

So, what do you want for yourself? Where do you dream of being in five years? And what about ten years? What dreams have been silently brewing within you? What passions ignite your soul?

Having dreams and aspirations is one thing; putting in the work to fulfill them is another. The thing about our dreams and goals is that they evolve as we do. Even if we don’t reach them entirely, the effort brings us to a better place, a place of wisdom and experience.

It all begins with taking that first, tiny committed step toward your goal. And as you do, you must also put equal effort into trusting yourself and your abilities.

Creating realistic goals, stepping out of your comfort zone, and focusing on daily habits that align with your aspirations are the most important steps for personal growth and achieving your desired outcomes.

Are your goals up to date?

When setting goals, evaluate their significance at this stage of your life. If you lack excitement or motivation when imagining achieving a certain goal, it may be time to re-evaluate its importance to you.

Goals are reflections of your dreams, desires, and aspirations for life. The more meaningful a goal is to you, the stronger its pull will be. It is also essential to be honest with yourself about your level of satisfaction in different aspects of your life. It is easy to become complacent and tolerate dissatisfaction in certain areas because we are comfortable in our current state or give too much power to our limiting beliefs.

Having a clear direction and purpose in life can significantly enhance your mental health and increase your overall sense of fulfillment. Remember, the journey towards achieving your goals is just as important as the destination.

The SMART Method

The SMART method helps break down complex or abstract goals into actionable steps that are easier to achieve. When following this method, you can better understand what you need to do to reach your goals, track your progress, and adjust your approach as needed.

In addition to its practical benefits, the SMART method positively impacts mental health. Setting clear, specific, and achievable goals provides a powerful focus, channeling your valuable energy effectively. This approach reduces feelings of overwhelm and anxiety by offering a sense of direction and structure. As you track your progress and adjust your plans as needed, your self-esteem and confidence will begin to grow.

S.M.A.R.T.

Specific

When setting a goal, it is essential to be clear and precise about what you want to achieve. Specificity means defining the outcome or result you are working towards in clear and precise terms. This helps to create a clear target to aim for and makes it easier to focus your efforts and make a plan to achieve it. For example, instead of setting a general goal of “I want to be more organized,” a specific goal would be “I want to unclutter my closet and organize my shoes in a specific way by the end of next week.”

Measurable

To measure progress, it is important to identify how you will measure the progress of your goal. This helps you to track your progress and make adjustments to your plan if necessary. Measurable goals have specific criteria, such as a number or percentage, that can be used to track progress. For example, if your goal is to improve your public speaking skills, a measurable goal would be to give a presentation in front of a group of people without feeling nervous.

Achievable

Ensuring that your goal is achievable means that you have the necessary resources, skills, and support to achieve it. It is important to set realistic and achievable goals to increase the chances of success. For example, if your goal is to run a marathon, it is important to consider your current level of fitness and to create a training plan that will help you achieve that goal.

Relevant

When setting a goal, it is important to consider how achieving this goal will impact your life and align it with your values, priorities, and long-term aspirations. A relevant goal is one that is important and meaningful to you and aligns with your overall vision for your life. For example, if your goal is to improve your mental health, it would be relevant to set a goal to practice mindfulness meditation for 20 minutes a day.

Time-bound

To stay focused and motivated, it is important to set a clear deadline for achieving your goal. This ensures that you use your time and resources effectively and that you are working towards a specific end-point. A time-bound goal includes a deadline, such as a specific date or time, that helps you to stay on track. For example, if your goal is to save money for a vacation, a time-bound goal would be to save $5000 for a trip by the end of next year.

Healthy Practices

Keep in mind that setting and accomplishing a goal is not a one-time occurrence, but rather a continuous process that demands patience and determination. Remember that it’s perfectly acceptable to modify your goals if you discover that they’re either too easy or unattainable. Consider goals as small daily habits that you work on each day, and adapt your actions to align with those goals.

• Recognize and acknowledge negative thoughts and beliefs as they arise.
• Practice asking yourself if your negative thoughts are healthy or unhealthy for you.
• Don’t focus on what others may think of your goals.
• Be prepared to confront obstacles and push through fears and anxieties.
• Have a plan in place to address setbacks and challenges.
• Practice self-compassion and remind yourself that setbacks are part of the journey towards achieving your goals.
• Reframe negative thoughts by challenging them with positive self-talk.
• Seek support from a therapist, coach or trusted friend if needed.
• Remember that progress takes time and it’s important to be patient with yourself.
• Take time to celebrate small wins and progress along the way.
• Remember that growth and change often comes from getting out of our comfort zones.
• Remember to be kind to yourself and practice self-care during the process of achieving your goals.

Set clear and achievable goals that align with your values and priorities. Use the SMART method to help guide you. And if you encounter any roadblocks or self-doubt, remind yourself that setbacks are a natural part of the process and don’t give up. Keep pushing forward, one step at a time.

Published on: April 25, 2023

by Art Florentyna

Personal Development Coach