The experts tell us we need SMART goals. That means that they should be SPECIFIC, ie. “ I will do (complete what?, accomplish what?, lose how much, gain etc) _____ by ____ (pick a date/time) ____.” Not only is this statement SPECIFIC it is also MEASURABLE because it has a concluding date or time. If I wrote it, most would assume it would be ATTAINABLE. Now if my goal for the new year was to plan in the WNBA by the next season, I may have some difficulty in attaining it. Why, do you ask? Well at almost 60 years old and being only 5’4” tall and incredibly challenged with running and jumping I might not make it. Anything is possible and I might just create a more ATTAINABLE goal of getting in shape, running or losing some weight may have a better outcome. Watching women athletics might be something that will INSPIRE me more to hit my goal. This will also keep by Specific, Measurable, Attainable goal RELEVANT and TIME BOUND for me.
Goals are interesting because even when I write them down there seems to be a “settle for” goal. I want to lose 40 pounds (but will settle for 25). I want to run a 10k, but I will settle for a 5K. I want to help 48 families this year invest, buy or sell but I will settle for 40. Is this a game? What should I do?
That’s easy, this year, when it comes to setting goals and new habits for the year, I will write them down, I will keep track of them, I will look at it as a journey, there will be lessons to learn. I am, with all my heart, going to accomplish my goals and have accountability in them with like-minded people AND I am going to do one more thing that is the game changer. I am going to have 1 word that will keep me inspired, focused and in check with my goals. That word is FAMILY. I do everything in my power to provide for and make a difference for my family. That includes my immediate family, of 4 siblings and their families, my mother, cousin and in-laws, as well as my work family, church family and client families. It’s a big world out there and I am going to make a difference in my part of it!
So when you feel that the goal setting may turn out to be like last year (whether you hit your goals or not) put your PLAN into action with 1 word. You get to pick it!
By the way, here are my goals (for accountability)(and no settling):
- Help 48 families build wealth through real estate.
- Learn to play pickleball and have fun with it.
- Lose 24 pounds (24 in 24)