SMART Goals

A journey without a destination is just wandering.

If you don’t know where to steer the ship, then you’re not going to get anywhere. Goals provide the headings. They can change over time, but it is important to always be trying to get somewhere.

I’m going to do a quick goals primer.

SMART Goals

Specific - “Get better,” isn’t a goal, it’s a wish. “Increase leg strength,” is.

Measurable - Put a number on it. By how much do you want to increase leg strength and by what measure. If the goal is mental, like motivation or self-belief, then put a rating scale on it. Just make sure you can track your goals with numbers.

Achievable - I’m 54 years old with no cartilage in my knees. I’m not going to squat 500lb in this lifetime. I can still set a goal around leg strength but it has to be something believable.

Relevant - Many of us have many different things we want to accomplish. The more you dissipate your attention and energy, though, the less you’ll get done. Make sure your goals align with your primary objective.

Time-bound - Give your goal a deadline. If you put something vaguely in the future then it will remain there forever.