Anyone can have a dream. But only the determined will achieve it. Sis, you have the power to achieve yours. It’s time to get started by developing personal goals using this five-step plan.
1. Set Goals with Purpose
They’re called “personal goals” for a reason – they need to mean something to you. So, consider your values and what matters most to you. You’ll develop goals based on these areas of your life because they’re meaningful. In turn, you’ll be more committed to achieving them.
2. Write SMART Goals
Notice the action word is “write” SMART goals because you literally need to write them down. Sis, it’s too easy to slack on your goals or modify them if it’s just an idea you keep in your mind. You need to have your goals written down and posted somewhere you will see them daily.
Next, the goals should be written in a SMART format. SMART is an acronym meaning:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time-Bound
Using the SMART format, you’ll give yourself a clear path to success. So, you begin with a specific goal; it clearly articulates an expected outcome and may even include a few action steps. The outcome is usually written with a number (think expected revenue, percent of improvement, etc.), so it is measurable. While you set stretch goals that help you grow, you must be realistic enough that it is achievable over time. This gives you opportunities to celebrate small wins along the way. (Don’t worry, after you achieve a goal, you can always set another!) Next, you make sure it’s relevant. This refers to the previous section, meaning the goal aligns with your purpose. And finally, you make sure the goal has an expected completion date, which makes it time-bound. Giving yourself a deadline creates accountability and requires check-in on your progress.
An example of a SMART goal that is focused on personal development may look like this:
I will prioritize my health by going to the gym thrice a week throughout this year to keep my BMI in the normal range (18.5 – 24.9).
An example of a SMART goal that is business-oriented may look like this:
I will improve the company’s e-commerce strategy by enhancing the website’s shopping cart and increasing online advertising to increase online sales by 10% by the end of this fiscal year.
3. Track Progress
Now, as you can see, each example goal is written concisely. Doing so lets you quickly glance at each daily and remember what you’re trying to achieve. However, to give yourself an actual roadmap, go ahead and add a little more detail. Under each goal, include a rationale. This is where you dig deep, sis.
For your personal development goal, answer what exercises you will do when you go to the gym. Then, specify how often you will track progress and check your BMI.
Likewise, answer questions to specify your business goal further. What exactly will you do to improve the shopping cart? Which advertising tactics will you focus on, and how much will you increase each? How often will you check ad performance? And to measure ultimate progress, how often will you look at online sales figures and trends?
This level of detail improves your likelihood of succeeding. Just remember, transformation is a slow process. You have to give yourself time to grow. Tracking progress becomes crucial because it gives you momentum and ensures you’re on the right path to achieve the intended outcome.
4. Be Ready to Pivot
What happens if you check your progress and don’t see any transformation? Don’t be discouraged. It doesn’t mean your goal is flawed. It may just mean you should adjust your action steps. Maybe you need to add a meal plan to your fitness regimen or change your gym routine to achieve your personal development goal. Perhaps you need to check your bounce rate on the website homepage or switch which online ad platforms you’re using for the business development goal. Rest assured, sis, you’ll get there. Just stay focused.
5. Celebrate Achievement
And finally, when you achieve each goal – because you will – CELEBRATE. Soon, you’ll set new goals – and crush them – but first, give yourself time to acknowledge your current success. Reward yourself. And involve your community in your celebration. Victory is even sweeter when it is shared.
Now Make It Happen
Your sisterhood of determined women is ready to rally around you as you embark on a goal-setting journey that will be your roadmap to success. Join us at the Becoming Truly You conference to embrace your true self and transform your life. This conference will connect you with women who understand your journey and have practical guidance to help turn your dreams into reality. Sign up today.
