When setting S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-Sensitive) goals, the first thing you should do is test them for specificity.
Most people will say something like, "I want to lose weight." That's simply the WHO and the WHAT. And it's not enough. This is simply a desire or wish, not a goal. You've got to zoom in more:
WHERE (if applicable or desired): "I want to lose weight around my waist (or my hips)."
HOW MUCH: "I want to lose two inches off my waist."
Notice how this statement includes the WHO, WHAT, WHERE and HOW MUCH, but is still a dream, and not a goal?
WHEN (this is critical): This can either be a by-when, or the time frame during which you're going to make progress. "I want to lose two inches around my waist between April 1 and June 30."
So that's the WHO, WHAT, WHERE, HOW MUCH, and WHEN. But something's still missing. Can you guess what it is?
It's the HOW: "I want to lose two inches around my waist between April 1 and June 30 by doing 15 minutes of abdominal exercises and 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least four times a week."
Now, let's make give the goal more power by declaring it instead of leaving it in the realm of a desire or a want:
Drum roll, please:
"I will lose two inches around my waist between April 1 and June 30 by doing 15 minutes of abdominal exercises and 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least four times a week."
Now that's a goal. But there's more to do to make sure your goal is a good one.
Next week in Sales Secret #12, we'll talk about the next key point of a S.M.A.R.T. goal - measurability.
Send any questions, comments, stories, or sales problems to dan@optimumbizdev.com, and I'll personally send you a response!
LAST WEEK'S HOMEWORK: When you caught yourself talking in generalities, did you catch yourself and re-state what you really meant to say? If you did so, I bet you found new power. When you go from "I'll call you sometime next week" to "I'll call you Tuesday morning between 10 and 11," you communicate that you have your act together, that you're organized and professional.
THIS WEEK'S HOMEWORK: Begin to write a list of your goals. Set at least one for each of these areas of life: Financial/Career, Spouse/Family, Health/Physical, Mental/Growth, Home/Environment, Hobbies/Interests, Friends/Community, and Spiritual/Religious.
Please take a minute and let me know how you're doing out there. Have these tips been helping you?
