How to Set Intentional S.M.A.R.T. Goals

We often are taught to set goals from a place of lack. We think that, “If only I had x,y, and z my life would be better,” and we set goals out of that discontent place. The purpose of setting goals is not to obtain something we don’t have. Goals are used as a tool to further shape us into who God created us to be. They go hand in hand with our purpose by refining our character. They bring out any challenges or obstacles that have the potential to hold us back along the way.

Goals are meant to give you clarity and a sense of direction by creating a deliberate focus. They provide your brain with structure and order. In order to achieve your goals, you must be intentional. Success requires consistency and commitment, meaning a one-time effort is not enough. Your goals must be intentional and actionable. If you’re not purposeful and focused, it will be hard to achieve your God-given goals. Here's how you can set intentional S.M.A.R.T. goals.

"Get focused and learn how to set intentional, S.M.A.R.T., God-given goals."

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Think about your desired end.

How do you want to feel from accomplishing this goal? What do you want to do/experience to create those desired feelings? You must have a good foundation before your start to set your goals. Think about your desired end, and set your goals from a place of gratitude and abundance.

Make your goals S.M.A.R.T.

• Specific. Get clear on what it is that you actually want to accomplish. What is the Who, What, When, Where, and Why?
• Measurable. How can your goal be tracked? Set up target dates and project management system to easily track your progress.
• Actionable/Attainable. Brainstorm the ways that your goal can be reached, and from there create your action plan.
• Realistic. Is the goal realistic for this time and season of your life? If not, alter your goals so that they can become more reasonable.
• Time-Bound. Assign a due date to your goal Without a due date, your goal will continue to be a dream.

Create an action plan. 

A lot of us are overwhelmed with our goals because we don't have an action plan in place. It’s one thing to plan, but it’s another thing to execute. Don’t get caught up in the planning phase. Take action! Stop looking at the overall picture and start breaking down your vision down into small actionable tasks. Each week I create a master list of what needs to get done. Then I break that list down into categories (ex. Fearfully Fashioned, school, and personal). Then at the start of each day, I take three tasks (one actionable task from each category) that contributes to my overarching goals. 

Master a routine. 

A plan is best carried out when you have a routine in place. In my Fashion Your Life Coaching Program, I have all my clients create a routine by analyzing their current schedule and conducting a time audit. If you want to reach your goals you must be intentional on creating the space for them. You make time for the things that are important to you, and if you’re goals are important, you will make time for them. 

Track your progress.

Make sure that you are making progress by tracking your goals. I use and refer my coaching clients to Asana and Trello, project management systems that can be used to track your goals. You can create projects and break down the due dates for each individual goal. With Asana you can attach those dates to your Google Calendar, so you never have to worry about missing a deadline. Trello also offers a calendar function and can connect with Google Calendar, Evernote, and other productivity apps to make sure that you stay on track. 

Remember, a goal without a deadline is just a dream. Don’t get caught up in a hitting a certain mark. Goals are not necessarily about the result, but the person you become in light of the process to reach them. I’ve created #GOALS: How to Set Intentional, S.M.A.R.T., God-given Goals, a free mini guided workbook to help you achieve your goals. Click the button below to download yours for free. (Please Note: If you’re on my email list, this guide is available inside the Resource Closet)**  

For more information on goal setting and the Fashion Your Life Coaching Program, click the button below. 

 

What goal are you trying to reach? Let me know in the comments below.