S.M.A.R.T. - O.F. Part 4: Is This Goal Realistic?

As we dig further into the “R” step in our ‘S.M.A.R.T. - O.F’. principle, helping us optimize our goal setting and therefore our success, this one can feel really subjective. In the goal getting process, sometimes subjective isn’t ideal because there is too much space for the “I’ll do it tomorrow’s” as I call it. When steps aren’t well laid out and concrete, life can more easily get in the way.

So, let’s firm up what we need in this step.

How to decide if a goal is realistic? Look at:

• Where you are now, in terms of schedule, capacity, finances etc, that is, whatever would be required for this type of goal.

• What does it take to achieve this goal?

• How does what is takes to achieve the overall goal, in it’s entirety, breakdown in to months, weeks and days. And what does your schedule look like right now to take on those monthly, weekly and daily to-dos?

BUT WAIT! If you’ve looked at what it takes along with where you are now and those two are very far apart, therefore the goal is unrealistic, it doesn’t mean it’s a “no”. It might be a no-for-now at the stage of life you’re in, OR better yet, there are two things you can tweak right now to make the goal more realistic.

1) Change the goal. For example, if you were wanting to train to run a 10K but that isn’t realistic once you’ve laid it all out, choose a 5K. Or,

2) Change the timeline. If you really want to tackle that 10K, then give yourself a longer training runway. Aim for 5 months down the road perhaps, instead of 3.

Big goals aren’t impossible, they’ve just got to be in line with what you can and are willing to give to get there.

As always, I am cheering you on. And reach out if you need a little help getting that goal started: deanna@deannalangfordcoaching.com

Deanna