When was the last time you checked in on your goals? As the year rushes by, it can be easy to fall into a rhythm of “doing.” But don’t let your focus on action overtake your emphasis on planning and performance review. Now is the perfect time for a mid-year check-in on your SMART goals to assess achievement and personal development.
Assess Your Progress
A sharp sis like you kicked off the year with SMART goals that set you up for success. Because your SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, it’s easy to assess your progress. So, let’s do a goal assessment to see how your action plan is working.
SMART Goal Assessment
Specific- If you had a personal development goal, maybe you committed to becoming healthier by gaining muscle, adopting a fitness regimen, losing weight, or improving your eating habits. Or, maybe your goal was self-improvement through increased knowledge, by which you may have taken a class or committed to reading a book each week.
Measurable- Any of these specific plans have a metric associated. For example, what was your muscle mass at the start of the year compared to now? Or, review how many books you’ve read, and how that relates to your goal.
Achievable- Your goal had a target metric. Have you reached it yet?
Relevant- If you haven’t achieved it, there’s still time. But, is it still relevant? At your mid-year check-in, consider if your purpose for this goal is still beneficial to your long-term plans.
Time-bound- By this time, you may have already accomplished some of your goals. Each achievement deserves celebration. If you haven’t reached your goal yet, it’s ok. Look at the timeframe you set. Are you on pace to reach the goal by the end of that timeframe? If not, do you need to extend your timeline? A time-bound goal provides motivation, but remember, it’s also important to maintain flexible goals that let you grow as you go.
Celebrate the Success
During your mid-year check-in, make time to celebrate – not just if you completed a goal, but even your progress! Sis, this is your opportunity to reward yourself. Did you stick to the fitness regimen on your health improvement journey? Then maybe it’s time for a new bathing suit for this summer. Or, if you completed a class on your self-improvement journey, then spring for a vacation. You deserve a little R&R to recharge. Relish in the celebration of your success.
Learn From Your Experiences
Your goal assessment and self-reflection may also reveal goal shortfalls. That’s ok. On a self-growth journey, sometimes you stumble. The important thing, sis, is that you have the motivation to keep going and the courage to try again. If you’ve had a setback on your goal-getting journey, maybe it’s time for updated goal setting.
First, take a moment to reflect on your purpose – your “why” behind what you do. Your “why” is a guiding force to ensure you lead a purpose-driven life. When your goals echo your values and vision for the future, you’re intention setting. In turn, each goal cultivates positive momentum to help you fulfill your purpose.
Now, consider the setbacks you’ve faced. What did you learn from these experiences? Can your newfound insights strengthen your conviction to try harder at achieving the same goal? Or, is this an opportunity to modify your goal? This might even be the time to phase in some new SMART goals. Further self-reflection will help you decide what comes next. Make the choice that brings you closer to your purpose and aligns with your intention setting action plan.
Reality Check
Let this mid-year check-in offer clarity on how far you’ve come and where to go from here. Whether modifying goals or starting from scratch, remember the value of goal setting with SMART goals.
You got this, sis. You’re a woman on a mission. Keep at it, and you’ll live a life filled with purpose and destined for achievement.
