According to the SMART acronym for setting achievable goals, when you set a goal for yourself, you should make sure that it is: 1. Specific, 2. Measurable, 3. Achievable, 4. Realistic, and 5. Timely.

1. Specific: When you begin to create goals for yourself, make sure to write down exactly what that goal is, what it entails, and why you want to accomplish it. Make it as clear and specific as possible. Having this clarity will help you to remove uncertainty and doubt of your own capability.

If you feel the goal is too big to tackle, break it down into smaller goals. That is no problem. The point is to design goals for yourself that you will go after.

When you are designing your goal, also make sure to include what is needed for you to reach that goal in regards to tools, people, specific action steps, and resources.

2. Measurable: Make sure to give yourself a deadline for each specific goal you create. Also give deadlines to each action step that you create for each goal.

If you don’t have a definitive deadline, your goal becomes a wish, a desire, or a resolution. Your chances of accomplishing it diminish greatly and your drive and focus goes out the window. Having a clearly set deadline keeps you on track, gives you the pressure that you need to get to where you want to be faster, and shows you whether you are using your time as effectively as possible.

3. Achievable: The goal you set for yourself should be attainable given your circumstances in life, health, and available resources.

4. Realistic: Your goals should require that you move from your comfort zone. Yet, they should not be impossible standards.

5. Timely: Your goal should include a specific time period in which it is to be accomplished. If you fail to have this information as part of your goal setting, you’ll simply be setting a wish, desire, or resolution… not as likely to be accomplished.