The “SMART Goals” method, initially devised by George Doran, Arthur Miller, and James Cunningham for effective goal-setting in the business community, can be applied to various industries. The concept revolves around breaking down goals into specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound components. This approach enhances your ability to tackle your primary objectives more easily and effectively. While setting goals is crucial for prompt accomplishment, it’s equally important to ensure they align with your overall objectives. To enhance your self-care goal achievement, implementing the “SMART” technique is an excellent starting point.
The following is how to use the “SMART” approach to build a proper self-care plan:
S – Specific or Strict
Any goal you set needs to be straight to the point and something you know you will stick to. In other words, the vaguer the goal, the less likely you are to follow it. For example, setting a goal to walk each morning for thirty minutes starting at eight in the morning is more specific than saying, “Each morning, I want to go on a walk.” While the intention is there for each, you are more likely to follow through with the first one as it is stricter and more direct.
M – Measurable or Monitored
The next requirement ensures you can keep track of the results better. This is important, so you know the activity you are doing is worth your time. It also allows you to practice more mindfulness to be more practical and aware of your abilities. If you think you are doing well in a certain area but are coming up short, for example, you won’t be doing yourself any help.
A – Attainable or Achievable
Then you need to ensure the goal you set is attainable. Statistically, it is unlikely that you will become the next multi-millionaire overnight or lose ten pounds in one week. It is unhealthy and will only lead to a downward spiral as you constantly miss the mark. Losing one pound a week is an attainable goal while losing ten is not.
R – Relevant or Realistic
An unrealistic goal is an unachievable goal. Furthermore, a goal that isn’t relevant to your overall dreams in life is only a time-waster. For example, if you know you need to get to work by eight-thirty in the morning, then setting a goal to walk at eight in the morning before that is not realistic. Give yourself more time. Otherwise, you will most likely skip it to get to work on time.
T – Time Sensitive or Timely
Finally, you must add a deadline. Goals without deadlines are more likely to stay on your list for the long run than being accomplished. Giving yourself a deadline allows you to motivate yourself further to get moving and is a great resource for practicing mindfulness further.
Anytime you want to set a self-care goal, remember to tell yourself to be “SMART” about it. Applying these techniques ensures you develop goals that are realistic, obtainable, and relevant to your overall life. In other words, a well-thought-out plan increases your chances of success and happiness in life.