This month we have focused on SMART goals. We have looked at what they are and how to create one. Do you have a goal you have developed and you are ready to establish measuring it? Maybe you ask yourself “How do I measure my SMART goal?”. This week we will walk through measuring your SMART goal.
Why is measuring a goal important anyway? There are many reasons you will want to measure any goal you decide to set. Some points to consider in why it is important to measure your SMART goal are below.
- Helps you stay focused
- More likely to succeed
- Track your progress
- Keep your motivation and excitement
- Maintain confidence in your goal
When you defined your goal, you also determined that it was specific and attainable. The next part of the process is to measure your progress. How do I measure my smart goal? Take a look at your goal. What was the interval set for your goal? For example, if your goal added a new task one time a week, the measurable time is one week. Once a week you will need to visit your progress. Did you complete the weekly task that you set for yourself? Document your weekly progress in a way you have chosen, either on paper or digital, to have visuals of your progress.
A completed task toward your goal should be identifiable. For example, if making a phone call one time a week to a relationship you desire to improve is the weekly task, the actual phone conversation is the identifying measure. Placing the phone call on your schedule, thinking about it, yet not carrying through with the call is not a successful measure. The measure is the completed call.
Is This Hard?
Measuring your smart goal is important if the goal is to be successful, but what happens if you didn’t complete the task? If you are new to setting goals, tracking them and keeping them, this could be harder for you at first. Recognizing that the task is incomplete is an important first step. Determining the reason the task was not completed is necessary. For example, if you struggle with follow-through or time management, you may need an accountability partner to help you be successful in the measure of your smart goal. Getting back on track is what is important to staying successful in your goal. Do you struggle to keep goals you have set? Below are some options you could consider to help you stay committed.
- Share your goal with an accountability partner
- Set reminders or alarms to refresh your memory
- Place quiet time just before the tasks
- Check your progress mid-way through
What If I Need Help?
Setting goals and keeping goals is part of moving forward and growing in any area of your life. SMART goals help because they are structured. However, if setting goals for yourself and following those to completion is an area you struggle with, we understand. You are not alone. We can help you take steps to understand what in your life makes keeping goals hard.
Upstate Restorative Counseling provides other services that can help you! We provide assistance with counseling in Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Navigating Life Transitions, Resolving Relationship Issues, and Online Therapy. When you are ready, our team is here to support you.
Would you like to read more on this topic? Check out this blog post for ideas to help with embracing habits.
