When you use the SMARTER Goals system, the first step you take is to make a Specific goal.
It’s far too easy to make goals that aren’t specific. “I want to be healthy.” “I want more money.” “I’m going to improve my skills.” “I’ll start communicating better.” “I will exercise.”
Unfortunately, vague goals lead to vague results. Vague results cause disappointment.
Making Goals Specific Enough to Achieve
Let’s take each of those vague goals and turn them into specific goals, the type you’ll need to make the SMARTER Goals method work successfully for you. If we make these goals specific, they now look like this:
- I will lose 12 pounds.
- I will earn an extra $1,500 per month.
- I will practice daily, no matter what.
- When I listen, I’ll repeat back what I heard to make sure I’m interpreting the conversation accurately.
- I will go to XYZ Gym with my workout partner.
Each of these goals is now specific enough to actually achieve. You’ll be able to keep looking forward to the specific point when you’ve achieved the goal. These specific goals lead to specific results – the results you’ve decided you want.
Specific results will make you feel happy and proud of yourself. These positive emotions will make you want to create more goals, and you’ll start a positive feedback loop that will get you what you want.
