How to Set Achievable Goals

Overview

Setting a goal is the first step in accomplishing a worthwhile task. Unfortunately, some goals are never achieved because they lack the necessary components that make them S.M.A.R.T., which stands for specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely. Ensure your goals are well thought out and you will find that the tasks you wish to accomplish are much more achievable.

Step 1

Select the overall goal you wish to achieve, whether it is related to health and weight loss or a work or school project. Write your goal down on paper.

Step 2

Determine the specific details of the goal. Decide how you will reach this goal and when you plan to reach it. For example, "Lose weight" is a general goal while "Lose 10 pounds by December 1st" is a specific goal.

Step 3

Ensure that your stated goal is measurable. For example, it is difficult to measure getting in shape, but weight loss, lower blood pressure and working out five times per week can all be measured.

Step 4

Evaluate if you can truly attain this goal. Goals must be attainable to achieve them. For example, if you have no disposable income in your budget to purchase a gym membership, then you can't make your goal to go to the gym each week. Associate your goal with working out at home instead.

Step 5

Make your selected goal realistic. You must be both willing and able to reach your goal. Losing 100 pounds in a month is not realistic, but losing 100 pounds in a year is.

Step 6

Choose an appropriate time frame for your goal. This can mean that if you have a large amount of weight to lose, you set short-term goals that you can achieve and measure each month, such as eight pounds. If your goal is to exercise more often, set a time frame you will stick to, such as one hour per day or from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. each night.

Step 7

Keep your goal, including each of these important components, nearby so you can read it and remember what you are working towards.