In business, as in life, those who set clear goals are the ones who succeed. 

Let’s talk about SMART goals.

Let’s break this down…

Specific:

A specific goal has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general goal. To set a specific goal you must answer the six "W" questions:

• Who? - Who is involved?

• What? - What do I want to accomplish?

• Where? - Identify a location

• When? - Establish a time frame

• Which? - Identify requirements and restraints

• Why? - Specific reasons, purpose or benefits of accomplishing the goal

Measurable:

Establish concrete criteria for measuring progress toward the attainment of each goal you set. To determine if your goal is measurable, ask these questions:

• How much?

• How many?

• How will I know when the goal is accomplished?

Attainable:

When you identify goals that are most important to you, you begin to figure out ways you can make them come true. You develop:

• Attitude

• Abilities

• Skills

Relevant:

To be relevant, a goal must represent an objective toward which you are willing and able to work.

• A goal can be both high and realistic; you are the only one who can decide just how high your goal should be.

• Your goal is relevant only if you truly believe it can be accomplished.

• Do those things that are most important and in line with your long term vision and mission.

Time-Based:

A goal must have a target date. A deadline too far in the future is too easily put off. A goal that's set too close is not only unrealistic, it's discouraging. Set short term goals to reach the planned result! Ask yourself:

• What can I do 6 months from now?

• What can I do 6 weeks from now?

• What can I do today?

Okay, you know about SMART goals, but did you know that you're 42% more likely to achieve your goals simply by writing them down? And when you add visualization and verbalization to your practice, that number jumps to being 300% more likely to reach your targets.

Beyond SMART: Keys to Goal Achievement

While SMART goals provide an excellent framework, consider these additional criteria to supercharge your results:

1️⃣ Emotional Connection

Connect your goals to your "why." Goals with emotional significance create stronger motivation during challenging times. If YOU are not convinced when you write it down that it is something you truly want, don’t even waste your time putting it on paper.

Those who believe achieve !!

2️⃣ Visual Tracking Systems

Use visual representations to track progress. I like to print photos or cut out of magazines and transfer those to a 3’X5’ poster board. Keep this where you can see it daily. I also like to put pictures of my goals on my mirror so I see them daily.

If we are going to do the damn thing, let’s ACTUALLY do it. OK !!

3️⃣ Accountability Partners

Share your goals with someone who will hold you accountable. Regular check-ins increase follow-through by 65%. This is tough, I know. But, you can do this. If you do, you will be ahead of your neighbors, in laws, out laws and church friends.

Seriously, find that ride or die and share your dreams and goals; MAKE THIS FUN !!

4️⃣ Celebrate Milestones

Don't wait for the final achievement to celebrate. Recognizing progress along the way reinforces positive behaviors and maintains momentum. This is the one that I’m the worst at. I write ‘em down, I track ‘em, & I share ‘em but I am slow to celebrate wins along the way. I PROMISE you if you will do something nice for yourself when you achieve a milestone on the way to a goal, it will be fun and rewarding and your mind and body will want MORE.

 Trust me on this one, please.

5️⃣ Regular Reviews

Setting and achieving our goals is not a ONE and DONE or a SET it and FORGET it. Absolutely not, you MUST re-visit your goals and timelines regularly. This simple habit ensures you stay on track and that you can make necessary adjustments before small issues become big problems.

Start Today

This week, take one business goal you've been considering and:

1. Write it down using the SMART framework

2. Create a simple visual to track your progress

3. Share it with one person who can hold you accountable

Remember, the difference between wishing and achieving is often just a well-documented plan and consistent follow-through.

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PS: The difference between a dream and a goal? A deadline. Write it down, make it real.

PPS: Got a goal that you want accountability on? Reply and share—I’ll check in with you one week from now. 🚀

To your success— one brick at a time,