How SMARTER Goals Saved My Life
"The difference between a dream and a goal is a timeline and an action plan."
~ Dave Ramsey
Swimming Upstream
As 2019 began, I found myself feeling like a salmon swimming upstream against a torrential current. A visit to my doctor a few months earlier had made it clear that all my health indicators were headed in the wrong direction. Despite this wake-up call, I failed to implement any lasting changes, and my weight continued to creep up while my energy levels declined.
The decline in my physical health was taking a toll on my mood and work performance. I had reached a peak weight, becoming easily winded with any physical exertion. At work, my team faced challenges in delivering results, and I lacked the drive to find innovative solutions.
Fate has a curious way of intervening. Frustrated with my personal health decline and my team's stagnant growth, I knew something had to change.
Time to Get SMART
One day, my leadership team and I convened to discuss new ways to support our team. One of our managers pointed out that his conversation with our representatives revealed they lacked knowledge on setting effective goals. We conducted a quick poll, asking about "SMART" goals, only to find that nobody on the team was familiar with the concept.
We quickly organized a short workshop for the team and brought them in one morning to train them on setting SMART goals. I was eager to participate in the workshop with the team. As we delved into the framework, everyone shared their goals. We provided feedback to those whose goals lacked specificity, clear measurement, attainability, realism, or timeliness.
When it was my turn to share my goals, I realized it was high time to focus on my health. My SMART objectives centered on my health and fitness:
"I will lose 30 pounds in 6 months by going to the gym at least 4 days per week and consuming fewer calories."
Sharing my goal had an unexpected impact. The example was simple but effectively demonstrated to my team what a SMART goal should look like. However, I took it a step further and added "ER" to my goal: ENLIST and REPORT. After sharing my goal publicly, some team members immediately said, "We're going to hold you to this." By sharing my goal, I enlisted a team to hold me accountable, and true to their word, I started receiving weekly inquiries about my progress.
My team's commitment also compelled me to establish a system to track my progress so that I could report back. I decided to use both leading and lagging measures. My leading measurement system involved using Under Armour's "My Fitness Pal" app to track my meals and calorie intake. In the app, I could set a weight goal and calculate daily calorie consumption, accounting for physical activity. I also maintained a journal to record my gym visits. My lagging indicators included my weight on the scale, progress photos, and measurements of my body dimensions.
With a clear goal in place, systems to monitor my progress, a supportive team, and regular reporting, I not only achieved my goal but exceeded it. In just over 3 months, I lost 35 pounds, gained newfound energy and motivation, and established habits that supported my health. I truly transformed my life and health trajectory by helping my team set SMARTER goals.
For team members who embraced the exercise, there was a noticeable improvement in performance. They understood the benefits of structured goals and follow-through systems.
Don’t Overcomplicate Our Goals
"The only thing standing between you and your goal is the story you keep telling yourself as to why you can't achieve it."
~ Jordan Belfort
All too often, we overcomplicate the process of change. I hope that by sharing my journey, you can realize that sometimes, all it takes are simple and proven approaches to achieve the results you desire. If you're facing your own roadblock, I encourage you to set your own SMARTER objectives and kickstart the change you need in your life.
TAKE ACTION THIS WEEK:
"The future depends on what you do today."
~ Mahatma Gandhi
If you're frustrated with your lack of progress, whether professionally or personally, consider setting your own SMARTER goals:
Be SPECIFIC: Identify one very specific goal or outcome you want to achieve.
How will you MEASURE it? Define clear and easily measurable indicators to track your progress and determine success.
Is it ACHIEVABLE, REALISTIC, and TIMELY? Consider the qualifications of achievability, realism, and timeliness. Be honest with yourself about setting audacious but achievable goals.
ENLIST others: Make your goals more enduring by involving others in your journey. This can be done through a public declaration on social media or in a serious conversation with trusted friends and advisers.
REPORT on your progress: Create a structured reporting system based on your goal measures to track your progress and maintain accountability.
I wish you success as you give yourself the jumpstart you need to achieve your next set of goals and dreams.
