As we make our way through the first quarter of 2022, it’s time to craft our goals for the course of the year and create a timely plan to achieve our desired aspirations. Anything is possible if we have a clear plan of what we want, are willing to put in some elbow grease, and celebrate achievements along the way. While new year resolutions tend to have a bad taste to some, our team at International Business Concepts knows that if you take the proper steps to create S.M.A.R.T goals, the results may just positively surprise you, leaving a lasting impact and leading to fulfillment. Ready to begin?
“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.”
– Tony RobbinsTweet
First off, what are S.M.A.R.T. goals?
Let’s break it down!
- Specific (simple, sensible, significant).
- Measurable (meaningful, motivating).
- Achievable (agreed, attainable).
- Relevant (reasonable, realistic and resourced, results-based).
- Time-bound (time-based, time-limited, time/cost limited, timely, time-sensitive).
When you put these five essential elements together, you’re cultivating the perfect recipe for goals that are achievable, realistic, and ultimately, fulfilling.
Specific
This is the first step, the time to get incredibly detailed and specific on what’s important to you, what you hope to achieve by year’s end, and if it will leave a positive impact on how you view your year’s success. When you think you’ve come up with a topic, dive even deeper into it. How can you make it even MORE specific?
Generic example: I want to work out 3x a week
Specific example: I want to work out 3x a week in the morning from 8AM-9AM every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Measurable
Now that you know you want to work out 3x a week, for example, how will you know when your goal is accomplished? You have to make it measurable.
Measurable goal: I want to work out 3x a week in the morning from 8AM-9AM every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for six months, from February through July 2022.
Achievable
You also want to ask yourself, “Is my goal achievable?” “How can I accomplish this in the time I’ve allotted?” “Are there any constraints that will hold me back?”
Achievable goal: I want to work out 3x a week in the morning from 8AM-9AM every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for six months, from February through July 2022. I’ll do this by getting a $10/month gym membership at Planet Fitness for the year.
Relevant
When considering this fourth factor, you’ll want to ensure your goal is relevant to your life’s fulfillment, success, and happiness. “Will getting in better physical shape benefit me positively?” “Am I at the right stage in my life right now to accomplish this goal?”
In this case, let’s say you consider the answer to both of these questions. “Yes!” You’re ready to better your health, and right now is the perfect time to do so.
Time-Bound
Now, for step 5! When are you going to accomplish this goal – in what time frame? Is your time frame reasonable for the task?
Time-Bound goal: I want to work out 3x a week in the morning from 8AM-9AM every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for six months, from February through July 2022.
Congratulations! You’ve learned how to work through the five best steps to create goals that work FOR you, not against you, and we know you’re going to achieve wonderful things. Remember, all progress is worth celebrating, no matter how small. From our team at International Business Concepts, we’re rooting for you! We invite you to connect with us on LinkedIn for more tips like these. Happy 2022!
International Business Concepts 
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