Focus on the Future

How to Make Your Goals Achievable

Do you ever feel like you are working hard but not reaching your goals? Maybe you see a little improvement in your skills or achievements when you reflect over the past.  Or perhaps you struggle to see how you will fulfil your ambitions during the next year.

Many people spend their lives doing their daily tasks, work, school, parenting, or rushing around trying to get more done while actually accomplishing very little.

Setting goals means that you can clarify your ideas, focus your efforts, use your time and resources productively, and increase your chances of achieving what you want in life and find that you are crafting with joy.

Setting SMART Goals

What does a SMART goal mean?

Its criteria are commonly attributed to Peter Drucker’s Management by Objectives concept.  The first known use of the term occurs in the November 1981 issue of Management Review by George T. Doran.

To make sure your goals are clear and reachable, each one should be:

• Specific (simple, sensible, significant)
• Measureable (meaningful, motivating)
• Achievable (agreed, attainable)
• Relevant (reasonable, realistic and resourced, results-based)
• Time bound (time-based, time limited, time/cost limited, timely, time-sensitive)

Who uses SMART goals?

Many organizations use SMART goals.  As an executive in a corporation, it was my job to write SMART goals for my team of crafters.  This task is usually done in November before the close of a business year and as budgets are being finalized.  I adopted the use of SMART goals into my personal life and, more specifically, as a crafter.  After using this method for several years, I found that my stash remained manageable, my skills increased, I had more confidence to try new things, and I finished projects.

How to Use SMART Goals

1. Specific

Your goal should be clear and specific, otherwise you won’t be able to focus your efforts or feel truly motivated to achieve it.  When drafting your goal, try to answer the five “W” questions:

• What do I want to accomplish?
• Why is this goal important?
• Who is involved?
• Where is it located?
• Which resources or limits are involved?

Example:

Imagine that you are a beginner knitter and you know how to knit flat, and you would like to knit a hat.  A specific goal could be, “I want to learn how to learn the skills in order to knit my first hat.”

2. Measurable

It is important to have measurable goals, so that you can track your progress and stay motivated.  Assessing progress helps you to stay focused, meet your deadlines, and feel the excitement of getting closer to achieving your goal.

A measurable goal should address questions such as:

• How much?
• How many?
• How will I know when it is accomplished?

Example:

You might measure your goal of acquiring the skills to knit a hat by determining that you need to sign up for a class at your local knitting shop, or that you would like to take an online knitting class, or that you need to watch some YouTube videos. Once you have completed the training and gained the relevant experience you will have acquired the skills to knit a hat.

3. Achievable

Your goal needs to be realistic and attainable to be successful.  In other words, it should stretch your abilities but still remain possible.  When you set an achievable goal, you may be able to identify previously overlooked opportunities or resources that can bring you closer to it.

An achievable goal will usually answer questions such as:

• How can I accomplish this goal?
• How realistic is the goal, based on other constraints, such as time or finances?

Example:

You might need to ask yourself whether developing the skills required to knit a hat is realistic, based on your existing experience and skills.  For example, do you have the time to complete the training and practice your new skills? Are the resources available to you? Can you afford to do it?

4. Relevant

This step is about ensuring that your goal matters to you, and that it also aligns with other relevant goals.  We all need support and assistance in achieving our goals, but it’s important to retain control over them.  So, make sure that your plans drive you forward, that you can be responsible for them and achieve your goal.

A relevant goal can answer “yes” to these questions:

• Does this seem worthwhile?
• Is this the right time?
• Does this match other efforts/needs?

Example:

You might want to knit a hat, but is it the right time to undertake the required training and complete the practice? Consider your current skills, are you confident in your skills and ready to build new skills?

5. Time-bound

Every goal needs a target date, so that you have a deadline to focus on and something to work toward.  This part of the SMART goal criteria helps to prevent everyday tasks from taking priority over your longer-term goals.

A time-bound goal will usually answer these questions:

• When?
• What can I do 6 months from now?
• What can I do 6 weeks from now?
• What can I do today?

Example:

Gaining the skills to become a hat knitter is going to take practice.  How long will it take you to acquire the skills? You will need to get new needles and yarn. Find your class or lessons.  It is important to give yourself a realistic time frame for accomplishing the smaller goals that are necessary to achieving your final objective.

How Many SMART Goals should I set?

Only set 3-5 goals

It is really important not to overwhelm yourself with too many goals at once.  Set no more than 3-5 SMART goals at a time.  Once you have achieved a goal, then set a new one.  You are your own creative boss!  You get to set the goals.  But you are also responsible for achieving the goals and meeting your deadlines.  In order to stay motivated, you need to keep it manageable!