Posts Tagged ‘smart goals’

Most people wait until New Year’s to start contemplating the new year and setting resolutions and goals.  But, not the people that I hang out with.  You people are on fire!  It’s barely December and everyone I know is beginning to make some assessment of 2009 and some plans for 2010.  I have a process that I run through at the end of each year and I thought I’d share it with you.  They are my Ten Questions for Spectacular Direction:

1. What did I accomplish this year?
2. What were my biggest disappointments?
3. What did I learn?
4. What 10 things do I do that I love to do?
5. What 10 things do I do that I don’t love to do?  How can I stop doing some of these things?
6. What roles do I play in my life?  For help, look at these areas and determine which roles you play:  career, money, health & fitness, love life, friends & family, personal & spiritual development, environment, and fun& recreation.  I use sassy titles like “Mother of the Year” instead of “Mom” and “God’s Girl” instead of “Confirmation Teacher” and “The Woman of His Dreams” instead of “Wife” and “The Girl Everyone is Talking About” instead of “networker.”  We all play so many roles in our lives.  Consolidate them a little, make about 8 “Title Roles” and list the sub roles underneath them.  For example:  “Mother of the Year” might have sub roles: chef, taxi driver, cheerleader, tutor, housekeeper, coach, personal shopper, librarian, gamer and ATM.  “The Best Coach in SCV” might have roles like “Coach, CTI Ambassador, ICF Board Member, WE Marketing Coordinator, blogger, networker, Get Clients Now facilitator, etc.”
7. What are my goals for each of my top 8 Roles?  Set SMART Goals:  specific, measurable, achievable, resonant, and thrilling (that might be a little different than the SMART goals you are accustomed to – I’ll write more about that another day).
8. What one or two roles are my major focus for next year?  What are my top 10 goals for next year?
9. What’s really most important to me?  What are my top 4 values that will get me the results I want next year?  I call these my “Cornerstones” and I “run” my decisions through them.
10. What support do I need to achieve my goals?  Education, resources, consulting, coaching, a buddy, a support system, etc.

Okay, I know that there are really more than ten questions on that list.  But, it’s worth it and you’re worth it.  It normally takes me about 3 hours to go through the process.  I write down all my answers and produce a lovely little one page summary that I hang on my wall all year, which I also give a sassy name (last year’s was “Sunshine 2009″, this year’s is “Win in 2010″).  As a reward, I normally treat myself to a vision board.  If I’ve done it right, my goals are a little breath taking and I treat myself to a glass of champagne to celebrate the success that I am starring in the face.

As the New Year is officially behind us, you may find that your resolutions have fallen away as well. The main reason that most people fail to keep their resolutions is because they tend to be “should” goals, like “I should lose 20 pounds”. Most of us are inspired to rebel against our “should” goals and resolutions and normally lose track of them by the end of February.

Instead of beating yourself up, try setting some SMART goals instead:

S – Specific
M – Measurable
A – Attainable
R – Resonant
T – Thrilling

Smart goals are stated in the positive and in the present tense and they are very specific. They include a measurable component including an aspect of time. A SMART Goal is attainable and you believe you can reach it. It is resonant, meaning that it is consistent with who you are and who you are becoming. It is something that excites you and motivates you, not something that insights dread or that you feel like rebelling against. Finally, a SMART goal is thrilling. A thrilling goal is exciting and a little bit scary. It is a little bit of a challenge and calls you forth into your best self. It is a goal that you will be excited to get up in the morning for.

Examples of SMART goals:

I am having fun losing 2-3 pounds per month for the next 6 months.
I am practicing abundance in my life by saying 5 affirmations every day and playing the money game (see next week’s article).
Every day, I practice being who I need to be to attract the man of my dreams and going to social events at least once per week for the next 12 weeks.

Carrie Kish is a life coach and leadership trainer who specializes in coaching women entrepreneurs, especially coaches, and leadership training for corporations and teens.

For more information, visit www.CarrieKish.com or call 661.255.2100.