Setting Personal Goals
One issue that often comes up during therapy is goal setting. People makes statements such as “I feel like I’m in a rut” or ” I don’t know where I’m going with my life.” When asked what they are doing to address the issue, they often do not have an answer.
People tend to shy away from setting goals because they do not know how to do so. One method for identifying goals is referred to as SMART. The acronym stands for:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attaintable
- Realistic
- Time-Bound
When setting a goal it needs to be specific. “Get in shape” is a general statement where “lose 15 pounds” is specific. A specific goal must also be measurable. Measurable allows you to know when you have met your goal. In this example, the goal is met when you have lost 15 pounds. Attainable refers to the goal being action-oriented and appropriate. Is losing those 15 pounds something that would be healthy and beneficial in your life? In order to be motivated and to sustain your focus the goal needs to be realistic. A realistic goal is one that you are both willing and able to work toward. Next, the goal must be time-bound. How long will it take you to lose those pounds? With a specific time frame you will be able to track progress and adjust your effort accordingly.
Finally, when setting goals, it is important to document them. A goal is more powerful if it is written down and referred to often.
For more information on setting goals, go to http://www.smart-goals-guide.com/smart-goal.html.
