What is your big audacious goal for the new decade? It is that time of the year when we create resolutions right?
This year will be the year to top all years. Which is why I am not doing resolutions I am focused on S.M.A.R.T. Goals. I am on a mission to achieve some really big goals in 2020. Bless my poor husband for putting up with my crazy because I know I can not do it without him, his support and a plan.
It feels insane to say it out loud and even silly that I would put it in writing to share with you all but here is the thing I have learned, I can do ANYTHING I set my mind to but not if I am ashamed of it or in fear of what others will think. So here goes, in 2020 my big hairy insane goal is to make enough money to not only take my very deserving family to Disney World for the holidays but also to buy a house and save enough money to quit my day job in early 2021.
I know it is a little hilarious but once you stop laughing at me, read on because it gets better. I have put a lot of thought into it. Yes, I know it is a stretch but we can do it. I have drawn out a realistic budget for my side hustle, soon to be the main business, that will make all this possible. It will not be easy but I will get there. How, you ask? With some motivation, dedication and a few good old fashion S.M.A.R.T. Goals.
I am sure you have heard of them. Here what it means: Specific Measurable Achievable Relevant and Timely. Basically it means that you make your goal a plan, otherwise, it is just a dream.
A couple of years ago this was a part of my companies training and I found the process to be a little over the top but the point is that you are WRITING down a goal that has a very clear objective with realistic and important tasks that can be referenced for progress. So for me to say I want to make enough money to quit my day job in 2021 is not a SMART goal but if I say. I will make $60,000 so that my profit margin is enough to put $15000 in savings by March 2021 while still saving for Disney and a down payment on a house. This is even better. I have it broken down even further because let's face it my goal has three parts and is a lot to bite off in one SMART goal.
So here is how you get started with yours.
First decide on your goal, lose 20 pounds, buy a house, grow an herb garden, whatever it is. If it is a big one you may want to consider breaking it down into a couple of smaller goals.
Now write it down. Click here if you want to use my SMART Goals mind map & worksheet. Make sure that each goal is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely.
Specific: This is an elementary level. Who, What, When be detailed.
Measurable: How will you track your progress?
Achievable: What steps will get you there?
Relevant: Is this goal in line with your big goals? Is this really what you want? This is your WHY.
Timely: When will you accomplish by?
So as an example I will use my first big audacious goal for 2020:
I want to buy a house by the end of the year. - Goal
I will buy a two-story, 3 plus bedroom home by September 2020 so we are in a home before I am self-employed.
See how it says exactly what I want to do?
Now be sure to share it with others, post it in your office or set reminders on your phone. A goal is just a dream without a plan and a plan is worthless without action.
Big or small you can use SMART goals to achieve any task.
Start today.