Make Your Dreams Come True Using SMART Goals
By: Avery Nash
Introduction
“If you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time.”
This famous quote by Zig Ziglar is so true! Think about it like this: you don’t hop onto an airplane without knowing your destination. First, you plan the trip, next you buy the ticket, then you pack your luggage, and finally you get on the plane heading for paradise.
Personal Experience
I don’t know about you, but I LOVE ITALY! Half of my family is Italian, I love Italian food, and I even speak the language! But unfortunately, I haven’t visited this beautiful country yet. However, I have a goal to spend two full weeks touring all the gorgeous sites of Milan, Lake Como, Venice, and more in three short years. I have budgeted approximately how much it would cost me, and I have committed to saving $100 per month from now until 2028. What seems like a far-off dream right now will later become a reality! You have the power to make your dreams come true with intentional planning and preparation.
Biblical Wisdom
Proverbs 12:11 says, “Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.” I find it interesting that our culture promotes “chasing fantasies” as the way to abundance, whereas the Bible verse above clearly states that abundance comes from hard work. Furthermore, we need to ensure that our efforts are aimed at what we want to achieve. This is where SMART goals come into play.
Creating SMART Goals
The key to achieving your goals is to have a structured plan. Let’s break down what the acronym SMART stands for and how to form some great goals of your own!
S – Specific: Clearly define your goal and get detailed. Try to answer the five “W” questions.
What do I want to accomplish?
Why is this goal important?
Who is involved?
Where is it located?
Which resources or limits are involved?
M – Measurable: Set a goal that can be measured (e.g., dollar amount, number of times per month) and track your progress. It should address questions such as…
How much?
How many?
How will I know when it is accomplished?
A – Attainable: Make sure your goal is realistic and achievable. It’s fine for it to be challenging, but we want it to still be within reach. An attainable goal will answer the questions…
How can I accomplish this goal?
How realistic is this goal?
What constraints or outside factors could I face?
R –Relevant: Align your goal with your overall plan of what matters most to you. You will be able to answer “yes” to the following questions.
Does this seem worthwhile?
Is this the right time?
Does this match my other efforts/needs?
T – Time-Bound: Give your goal a deadline. This will encourage you to be disciplined, bring urgency, and let you know when you’ve reached your goal. It will usually answer the questions…
When?
What can I do today to get myself closer?
What will I be able to do at the end of the timeline?
Here’s an example of what a regular goal might look like compared to a SMART goal:
Before: I want to get rid of my student loan debt.
After: I will pay off my $10,000 student loan debt plus interest in two years by paying $438 per month.
Statistics
In case you’re still in doubt that SMART goals really work, let me show you some convincing statistics:
83% of people don’t set goals for themselves (Zippia).
Those who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them (CNBC).
90% of people with specific, challenging goals performed better than those with easy goals, “do your best” goals, or no goals. (Locke, E.A., et al.)
People who set time-bound goals and report progress to peers weekly increase their chances of success by 40% (Zippia).
Conclusion
Whether saving for a vacation, paying off debt, or eating healthier, using SMART goals is an effective method to make your personal and financial dreams come true. I will leave you with this piece of encouragement from Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
References
https://www.biblegateway.com/
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/13/self-made-millionaire-how-to-increase-your-odds-of-success-by-42-percent-marie-forleo.html
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1981-27276-001
https://slidemodel.com/smart-goals-guide/
https://www.zippia.com/advice/goal-setting-statistics/
