Be SMART in 2010

OK, here we go again, looking out for the near future. One of my IM teachers just came out with some pretty good stuff for 2010, and I just thought I'd share it with you:

"With 2010 almost upon us, it is time to set out our goals for the coming year - but make sure the goals you set for yourself are really SMART ones.

"SMART goals are the only kind that you should set for yourself. SMART is an acronym for

• Specific
• Measurable
• Action-oriented
• Realistic
• Timely.

"Briefly, that means that every goal you set yourself should be measured against that list of concepts.

"If the goal isn't specific, you won't know if you've hit it. 'Be more successful' is too vague. Instead, define what success means in the area you have chosen.

"Unless a goal has a measurable result it is just a wish. 'Make more money' isn't measurable. 'Make $100,000 by January 1st' is very measurable - on January 2nd you'll know for sure!

"Actions are far more effective than aims. For example, 'Impress the boss' is an aim, 'Get to work an hour early three times a week' is an action. Actions are things we can do.

"Realistic simply means that you set your goals a little in front of where you are now. We can all achieve one step ahead at a time, but ten steps in one go may be unrealistic. That's not to say that you won't ultimately reach the tenth step, just that the journey should be broken into realistic stages.

"Timely has two meanings. First your goal should have a specific time limit to ensure that your subconscious brain knows to get on with it. Second, your goals should be possible in the time that you have available. For example, one of your goals may be to learn the piano, but do you really have the hour a day necessary for lessons and practice? If not, then set an intermediate goal of freeing up some spare time.

"So take a hard look at your goals for 2010. Are they SMART?"

My thanks to Martin Avis for these words of wisdom.
http://www.kickstartdaily.com

That's it for today - nothing to sell and (unfortunately) nothing to give away. Maybe next time?

Dick
http://internet-retirement-system.com