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*UPDATE*
If you want to have some fun getting stuff done between now and the end of the year, participate in the Instigator Blog’s Post-Thanksgiving Goal Setting Project!
*/UPDATE*
I have been working very hard on my goals lately, and have also had to work very closely with my clients to ensure they are clear on their goals too. Why?
You can’t manage what you do not measure.
I found, even less than a year ago, that when I thought about what I wanted in the future, I was STILL focusing on what I didn’t want:
- I wanted to be rid of my limiting beliefs
- I wanted my husband to stop drinking
- I wanted to eliminate procrastination and distraction
- I wanted to leave my job outside of the house
Well, I didn’t overcome these things until I shifted the way I focused on my outcomes:
- I wanted a belief system in place that would support my highest good
- I wanted an extraordinary relationship with my husband
- I wanted to be focused and productive
- I wanted the courage and resources to start my own business again
The difference is subtle - but the difference in the results were HUGE.
I’m not sure of the source of the following formula for goal setting, but using the S-M-A-R-T system has worked REALLY well for me:
S = Simple and specific
M = Measurable and Meaningful to you
A = Achievable and in All areas of your life
R = Realistic and Responsible
T = Timed and Toward what you want
Another incorrect example would be, “I want to stop spending so much time surfing the web”. That’s not measurable, timed, nor toward what you want.
Instead, craft the goal in the positive, “I want to spend 6 hours each day on work that is productive and that generates revenue”
Make your goals a stretch, but realistic at the same time.
I admit, Thanksgiving week isn’t exactly the time that work at home parents are thinking about goal setting. In fact, I’m thinking more about vegetable recipes than business today. But the New Year is literally right around the corner. And I know that my mind needs a few weeks to kind of simmer and stew on ideas before they begin to crystalize into an action plan anyway.
So start giving some thought to your 2007 busines goals now - especially before the holidays hit and business is the furthest thing from your mind! A little time just thinking now will save you a lot of time thinking later. 
“A little time just thinking now will save you a lot of time thinking later.”
Amazing — this is very similar to what we’re discussing at Eat4Today right now!! Only we’re talking about holiday eating, not business. Exactly.
I need a good vegetable recipe! Have one you want to share???
I like the SMART goals process. I also add a few other parts when working with someone…
Positive (possibly covered by your ‘T’) - The goal needs to be stated for what you want, not what you don’t.
Ownership - Can this goal be owned and directed by the goal setter? For example, setting a goal like “Ensure my mother treats me as an adult within 2 weeks” leaves the success of the goal up to the mother. In situations like that the goal setter needs to bring control back to themselves. Something like “I will not allow my mother to upset me within 2 weeks.”
Evidence - What evidence will you need to show other people you have achieved your goal? This has to be sensory based - “I’ll know when I get it”, or “It’ll feel right” are not acceptable.
Ecology check - Who else will be effected if I achieve this goal? How will it effect them?
And the final step - Action!
Wonderful words of wisdom woman!
Jill
http://www.GoalGuru.com
SMART goal is what I have learnt when I was selling life insurance many years back… and it is applicable in everyday life just as well.
Is potato considered vegie?
Check out http://www.profy.com/2006/11/20/mashed-web-20-vs-mashed-potatoes/
There is a link to a recipe as well. Enjoy.
Michael - great points - those are things I do in private sessions and good to mention alongside the SMART formula - good thinking
CJCM - very funny!!
Char - digging around furiously - I would ask Katiebird!
KB - it’s so interesting how patterns seem to emerge everywhere…
Jilly - Thanksy!
hi, thanks again for your info. you are such a resource and wealth of knowledge for me.
thanks
Actually, I have to comment on your goals: “I want to spend 6 hours each day on work that is productive and that generates revenue”
Instead of writing “I want”, you need to write it in present tense, as if it happens already. I want is just pushing it into the future. Instead, write “I spend …”. then, “generates revenues”. Well, one dollar is also revenue, right? so, it is better to write how much revenue you want to generate.
Just a little tip from Malaysia.
But I agree, as earlier you start writing your goals, the earlier you start managing your life!
Keep it going!!!!!