How do you set and measure realistic goals?

Something to consider is how these goals are perceived along the journey. In my experience, breaking them down in smaller increments with daily reflection is helpful. With a daily goal, weekly goal, and monthly goal ~ we can get the same results but fine tune our mental and emotional focus along the way for the best success. I also recommend doing a nightly reflection on how a client feels about their efforts towards their daily goal. 'Cleaning the slate' if they feel their efforts weren't as they intended for the day. This mindset shift can break many 'all or nothing' patterns that many clients fall into.

The SMART framework is what I favor when setting goals, both professionally and personally. Each of these components is important, but one that is often overlooked in goal setting is make it time bound. Setting a deadline makes the goal more "real", and gives us something to work towards in our mental calendars. Leaving a goal open-ended can make it easier to procrastinate and make progress much slower.

Considering SMART framework both in profession and personal life makes a difference. It helps to quantify and qualify the achievement. The more important thing is that, the framework, quantifications and qualifications should be written down for setting a reference or border line for your next achievement.

In my experience, one SMART tip is to regularly revisit and revise your goals. The SMART criteria offers a structured and measurable approach to goal-setting, but it's essential to recognize that circumstances and priorities can change over time. By consistently reviewing and adjusting your goals, you can ensure their relevance, realism, and alignment with your current aspirations and circumstances. This adaptive approach fosters flexibility and enables you to stay focused on what truly matters, enhancing your chances of success.

Making goal-setting and evaluation an important part of your daily life is so important. ?? Create small goals that lead to larger goals over time ?? Celebrate your daily wins no matter how small ?? Encounter an obstacle or find your goal isn’t really fitting, it’s OK to decide to change direction ?? Create calm daily to make goal setting and achievements easier

Check-in points along the way are crucial, as is recognizing when something is not quite working and needs to be tweaked. For example; your goal is to exercise more by going to the gym three times per week after work, but you find that to be too difficult because you get stuck at the office, or you have after work obligations at home. A solution could be to adjust the goal to going to the gym three mornings per week instead. Having some flexibility with your goals and how you achieve them will lead to greater success. When we are too rigid in insisting that we stick to the original plan, we are more likely to have difficulty in reaching our goals.

To revise your goals without getting discouraged or losing momentum, it's important to approach the process with a growth mindset and a positive attitude. Start by acknowledging that change is a natural part of life, and it's okay to adjust your goals as needed. Reflect on your progress and reassess your priorities regularly, considering any new opportunities or challenges that have emerged. When making revisions, be objective and realistic, setting attainable targets that align with your current circumstances and aspirations. Break down your revised goals into smaller, actionable steps to maintain a sense of momentum and progress. Celebrate your achievements along the way on your journey towards success.

Setting goals is common, but so is changing them. As we strategize and work towards achieving our goals, we may get a new perspective that prompts us to adjust our outlined tactics or the overall goal. Life and career updates, evolving personal preferences and more all impact our journey to achieve what we want. Let’s allow ourselves the freedom to rewrite our goals if something no longer provides alignment or fulfillment.

Setting a daily intention helps us live with purpose. Best when set in the morning, having your day start with that reminder of why you are working towards a particular goal can assist in distractions that my pull you away. Today my intention is to 'focus on the positives'

Identify Trusted Individuals who have your best interests at heart and who can provide valuable insights & feedback. Seek Different Perspectives by asking for feedback from individuals with different backgrounds & experiences. Even if it is critical, try to view it as constructive and use it to make adjustments to your goals or approach. Instead of generic feedback, adopt a targeted approach and ask for specific input on areas where you would like to improve or areas that are crucial to the success of your goals. Schedule regular check-ins with your trusted individuals to discuss your progress, challenges, and any adjustments needed. Show appreciation for the feedback and support you receive.

Your tribe sets your vibe! As we move towards our goals, our relationships very well may change. You will naturally navigate towards those that support you on your journey, give constructive feedback and guidance that keep you moving in a positive forward direction.

In my experience, when setting SMART goals, it's highly beneficial to collaborate with an accountability group. Start by sharing your goals and requesting feedback from the group. Listen actively, discuss challenges, and collaboratively develop action steps. Set regular check-ins to update the group on progress and provide support to others. Reflect and iterate as needed. By leveraging the collective knowledge and support of your accountability group, you can refine your goals, overcome obstacles, and achieve success.

Celebrating small goals in a fun way is crucial for achieving big audacious goals. Instead of just acknowledging the milestones, infuse the celebration with excitement and enjoyment. For example, when reaching a milestone, treat yourself to a relaxing spa day or indulge in your favorite hobby or activity. Throw a mini party with your team, complete with balloons and confetti, to acknowledge their efforts and achievements. Share the accomplishment on social media or with friends and family, and savor the positive feedback and encouragement. By infusing fun and joy into these celebrations, you not only boost morale but also create lasting memories that fuel the motivation and determination needed to conquer the big audacious goals ahead.

We are always exactly where we are supposed to be! That includes when we stray from our goals. If we use the opportunity to learn from and embrace our mistakes and failures, then we can create and implement a new repetition of healthier habits that lead us to our goals.

I would also add that it's important to celebrate milestones and here are some ideas: Treat Yourself: Reward yourself with something you enjoy and or celebrate with family and friends. Reflect and Appreciate: Write in a journal or create a gratitude list, highlighting the milestones you've achieved and the positive impact they've had on your life. Treat Yourself to a New Experience: Step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Commemorate with Symbolic Gifts: Consider getting yourself a symbolic gift that represents your milestone. Share Your Success Story: Write a blog post, give a presentation, or participate in a panel discussion where you can share your experiences, lessons learned, and the milestones you've achieved.