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Let’s Start S.M.A.R.T in 2010
George B. Thompson
With 2009 behind us and 2010 upon us. It is time to start setting our goals for the months ahead. As good stewards over our time, talents and treasure it is never too early to start planning which is why I writing about this topic this week. Stewardship is utilizing and managing all the resources that God has given us. One of the principles of Stewardship Living called us to create goals that connect to our God given purpose. Today I want to give you tips on how to identify and set goals for yourself using stewardship as your standard. So let’s get it started!
A goal is an aim or desired result. In other words, a goal is the intended target that you are striving for. Creating a plan to accomplish your goals will not only help you be effective but will help you stay on track. Below you will find a few tips that will provide you with direction to writing your goals.
When creating goals for yourself they should be S.M.AR.T. which is a acronym for specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time binding. You should know what success looks likes and be able to write it down. Think about it, if your dreams and goals are out of focus then you will produce unfocused results.
Here’s what I mean:
SPECIFIC: Be specific about what you are trying to achieve. Know the who,what and where you want to accomplish with this goal.
Out of Focus example: I will to buy a house.
Specific example: I will buy a house in four years in this location.
MEASURABLE: You should be clear and precise about the time, dates, location and amounts so your accomplishments can be measured. Remember goals that can’t be measured can’t be managed. You need to be able to access your progress.
Out of Focus example: I want a profitable business.
Specific example: I want a profitable company within 5 years and $25K cash in the bank.
ATTAINABLE: Make your goals small enough that you will be able to achieve them. If you make your goal “too lofty” then you will get easily discourage and not feel like you have accomplished anything.
Out of Focus example: I want to be famous.
Specific example: I want to be known worldwide in 5 years by being a successful motivation speaker with seminars, workshops, a website and 4 books.
REALISTIC: Your goals need to be relevant to your purpose and mission. They should connect to what you are aiming to accomplish right now. Write your goals down in a journal or type them in your computer. They should be in a place when you can easily go to it and review them on a regular basis.
Out of Focus example: I will travel the world
Specific example: In one year I will be a leader in my community who will fight injustices against the under served.
TIME BINDING: You goals should be time sensitive with a deadline. This is important and makes your goal attainable. Otherwise it is opened. The date will keep you accountable.
Out of Focus example: I will clean the garage.
Specific example: I will clean the garage by July 30th, 2009 at 7:00 pm.
Lastly, I recommend that the goals that you create are balanced and reflect the many dimensions of our life. Set them in different areas of your life so that you can live a balanced life. Your goals need to be in: the more specific you are the better, and then how do you measure success, and then something is obtainable and when you’re going to achieve in as we march in the 2010. If you would like more goal achievement information play Set-4-Life.
It is my desire that you are inspired to be good steward over these three areas of your life: Time, Talent, Treasure. Time, you must learn to manage your time; talent you have skills and gifts and lastly treasure, your finances need to managed appropriately. All of these areas work together, when they are managed properly you will be able to become A BETTER YOU!
