Effective Goal Setting Using the SMART Method, Part 1 of 3

When setting goals, the best place to begin is with the question "what do I really want to be, do, and have?" Do you want to be an author, learn to snow ski, own a luxury home? What gets you going? What are some of the things you dreamed of doing or having when you were a child before everyone influenced your thinking? Make a list of those things, especially the ones which still get you excited.
From the list you have compiled choose some of the items which you believe you can accomplish in the next year, three years, and five years. Now write the number 1, 3, or 5 next to those things you really want to go for. Don't be afraid to choose a couple which seem out of reach right now. Do this for each of the one year, three year, and five year periods.
You'll write a set of goals for each of the one year, three year, and five year time increments. Using 3 x 5 index cards has always been my favorite medium, they are easy to carry and also have enough space to write several goals on each. You'll write your goals so that they are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time referenced. This is the SMART method.
When setting your goals, make sure that they are goals which you will have to make some changes and apply this system to bring them to reality. Don't set low goals just to assure yourself you'll be able to make them. That's no fun and is also a waste of your time. Why not stretch and keep dreaming BIG DREAMS.
You'll use the present tense to write all of your goals. Please write them as follows: Today is September 30, 20__ and I have $_____, in the bank, I now drive a _____(color) _____(make) ______(model), and live in a glorious ___bedroom, ___bathroom home with a pool and a ___ car garage in _____, (city) ____(state). Remember, present tense.
DO NOT write your goals as follows: By September 30, 20__, I will have $ _______ in the bank, and I will be driving _____, and I will live in a beautiful __bedroom __ bathroom home in ________(suburb), ______(city), ________ (state).
Write out your goals for each of the one year, three year, and five year periods, and be certain to write each in the present tense. Once you have done this, look for the next article in the series which is about bringing your emotions to your goal setting exercises. This method will assist you in bringing your goals into reality more quickly.

Article Source: http://menshealthtoday.com

George L. Kenney has a career of twenty five years in financial markets, including the past six in the mortgage business. He is a successful online marketing pro, with a passion for helping others. He will help you in learning how to leverage your time, money, and technology to put you on the fast track. To learn more about his team and the Marketing Mentors Program Click Here

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