We only need to reflect on the measly quota of those around us who steadfastly adhere to their New Year’s resolutions, to comprehend that many of us fail to attain the goals we set for ourselves. Yet why do so many of us struggle to realise our objectives? In many instances, it’s because of how we set upon them. Essentially, goal setting is about asking ourselves two questions… Where do we want to go? How will we know when we get there? To fulfil our intentions, we first need to determine where we want to go. And once we have a clear view of our destination, we need to have a prominent signalling post to show when we’ve arrived. Creating a SMART goal To help answer these questions, we can use the S.M.A.R.T. goal-setting technique, first popularised by George T. Doran in the 1981 issue of Management Review. The technique enables us to create a clear, attainable and meaningful goal, whilst also developing the motivation, strategy, and resources, needed to achieve it. Specific Specific goals intensify our focus because we then know exactly what we’re working towards. The chances of reaching our goal is much improved when we define our objectives in greater detail - the more detailed, the better. That is to say, rather than having a vague goal, such as to lose weight, it’s far more effective when we specify how much we want to lose. For example, to reduce my body fat percentage by 5%. This gives us a much clearer marker to set our sights on. Measurable By having measurable goals, we can track our progress, thereby giving us confirmation of whether or not we’re heading in the right direction. They also help us to maintain motivation. Often when we’re pursuing something, we focus most of our attention on how far we still need to go, which can be demoralising. A measurable goal allows us to see how far we’ve come, which can then give us the added impetus to carry on. As the maxim goes, if we’re not measurin’, we’re guessin’! Attainable Constructive goal setting is about establishing objectives that are neither too difficult nor too easy. Goals that are efficacious tend to stretch us beyond our comfort zones, whilst not diminishing our self-belief that we can meet them. Goals that are too easy tend to increase our boredom, decrease our motivation, and maintain the status quo. On the other hand, unrealistic goals may also lead to demotivation, as it can be frustrating when we lack the requisite skills or resources to achieve them...

1. Goal setting the
S.M.A.R.T Way
#GoalSetting

2. Goal setting is simply about two questions
?Where do we
want to go
?How will we know
when we get there

3. Specific Time-specificMeasurableAttainable Relevant
To help answer these questions, we can use
the S.M.A.R.T. goal-setting technique
This enables us to create clear, attainable and meaningful
goals, whilst also developing the motivation, strategy,
and resources, needed to achieve them

4. Specific goals intensify our focus because we
then know exactly what we’re working towards
Our chances of reaching
goals improve when we define
objectives in greater detail

5. By having measurable goals, we can track our progress,
thereby giving us confirmation of whether or not
we’re heading in the right direction
They also help us to maintain motivation as they allows us to
see how far we’ve come, giving us added impetus to carry on

6. COMFORT
GOALS
STRETCH
UNREALISTIC
Attainable goal setting is about establishing
objectives that are neither too difficult
nor too easy
Goals that are efficacious tend to
stretch us beyond our comfort zones, whilst
not diminishing our self-belief that we can meet them

7. Relevant goals are those which match up with
our core values, so we need to understand
what we truly want
If we don’t know our ‘why’, we’ll be much less inclined
to commit to, and relish, our goal-seeking journey

8. When we make our goals time-specific, we
instantly set deadlines on which to focus,
making us accountable to the process
Establishing deadlines is one of the pivotal factors
for separating those who achieve their
goals from those who don't

9. Nathan Wood
Nathan Wood is a former professional sportsman and youth
international, mentor/assessor to Level 3 sports coaches,
and a certified Level 4 master coach.
Now operating a sports performance consultancy, he works with a
diverse range of athletes, coaches, parents, and organisations,
helping them to realise their true sporting potential.
Let’s connect
linkedin.com/in/nathan-wood-coaching
twitter.com/NathanTheoWood
facebook.com/NathanWoodConsulting
instagram.com/nathantheowood
slideshare.net/NathanWood44
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