T is for Timed, a Tried and True Test
Insights on the need for speed
We’ve been working with the SMART goal process this past month. Today we will spend time on “T”, pun intended. “T” stands for timed and toward what I want. And, for those astute readers, yes, we haven’t outlined “M” yet. We will end the series on SMART goals with a discussion about “M”, simply because “M” is my favorite.
When I started applying the SMART goal process in my life, I had this sense of urgency. I had this unrealistic idea that I had to achieve all my goals, like yesterday! After all, our current ‘insta’ culture fosters the need for speed. I got comfortable in prioritizing and setting a ‘long’ goal game (3, 5, 10 year) which helped to set expectations. At the same time, it’s important to have goals with milestones that are more immediate, or even adjust the big audacious goal into smaller goal(s) to build momentum. Getting wins in the “W” column feels great!
Setting SMART goals and enlisting the help of a trusted advisor, mentor, coach can be instrumental in working through the things that may be holding you back. Check out more about the four requisites for change here: Requisites for Change
SMART goals came from research that began in the 60s with Dr. Edwin Locke and Dr. Gary Lantham. Others have added the importance of the mindset, both conscious and unconscious, in goal work, like Richard Bandler and John Grinder founders of Neurolingusitic Programming (NLP).
The SMART goal setting process is powerful, especially applied to your career or life. In earlier blog posts I talked at AIM and SMART end goals. As a reminder, SMART stands for:
S = Simple and Specific
M = Measurable and Meaningful to me
A = Achievable, As if Now, All Areas of my life
R = Responsible / Ecological, Realistic
T = Timed and Toward what I want
Today is brought to you by the letter “T”
T is for Timed
Your unconscious mind thrives on timeframes. Typically, with a timeframe we feel more motivated, focused and clear on when we need to achieve our goal. Our conscious mind is the goal getter and the unconscious mind is the goal setter. Having a time frame lets ‘us’ know how much energy and effort to apply toward our goal. For example, if you plan to take an entire month off every year. It requires different effort and focus if you plan to achieve that in 2 years compared to 2 months from the day you set the goal.
T is Toward what I want
This is another important aspect of the SMART goal process. And, it was a game changer for me. It emphasizes the power of words as organizing principles. There is energy behind certain words. They can either pull you toward or move you away from a particular state. Moving toward what you want creates a more sustainable focus than moving away from what you don’t want. For example, instead of “losing the weight” substitute ‘at my ideal weight’ or ‘getting out of this dead end job’ to ‘in my dream job’.
Question: When you think of ‘time’ as part of the SMART goal process, what does ‘time’ mean to you? Do you also suffer from Insta-result expectations?
I hope you found my insights on the T in SMART goals helpful. As adults we spend the bulk of our waking hours ‘at work’. We only have a finite amount of time on this planet, and you can choose how to spend that time. I wish you much success on your career quest. Yours in balance, learning, growth and harmony. – Melissa DeLuca, CEO
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