Saturday, January 5, 2019 by Averil Spence-Clarke | Uncategorized

“If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else”   Yogi Berra, Baseball Icon

Define: Try this exercise in defining and refining your goals.  

·Next, rank them in priority.

·Then cross off everything except the number one goal.

Now refine your goal into a clearly defined vision using the SMART goal process.

S = Specific What specifically do I want to accomplish?

M = Measurable How will I know when I reach my goal?

A = Attainable Is it possible for me to reach this goal?

R = Realistic How realistic is this goal in the context of my life?

T = Time In what period of time will I accomplish the goal?

Example of a non-SMART goal “I will play in concert class more often” and here is the SMART version “I will memorise the Italian Concerto by J.S. Bach and perform in concert class on 01/05/16”

Specific This goal is focused on a specific piece of music.

Measurable You have achieved this goal when you have learned and memorised the piece.

Attainable It is attainable as long as you think that you can do it, this is a subjective test.

Realistic Given your life context, is this goal realistic.

Time You have set a time period of 4 months.

Now rewrite your number one goal using the SMART method:

Commit: Make a list of specific actions that you could pursue, starting today, towards that goal.  How about sourcing the sheet music and a reference recording for the piece, both easily done from the air conditioned comfort of your sofa.

Make a list of potential challenges: identify internal and external obstacles. ‘The music might not be available’ or ‘I’m not very good at memorising”.  Simply writing down these perceived barriers will start you clarifying those which could be genuine challenges vs those which are convenient excuses.  You’ll be surprised to see how many ways you can brainstorm to overcome potential challenges. Having the confidence to conceive solutions is the key to problem solving.

Be Accountable: A study undertaken by Dr. Gail Matthews at the Dominican University of California confirms that that a whopping 70% of participants who sent weekly updates to a friend reported successful goal achievement.  One of the secrets to staying on track is to team up with someone who supports and encourages you as you pursue your goals. It’s important to remember that you can be a valuable support to your peers in the same way.  Identify someone who is also pursuing a similar goal. Set regular times to connect with your accountability partner and allow each other 10 to 15 minutes to share the progress you’ve made with your goals and the challenges you are facing.

Get Busy Now

5 Minutes Think about whether your number one goal is really YOUR goal?

30 Minutes Rewrite that number one goal and nail the SMART process.

1 Hour Identify a partner, call them and set up a time to connect in the next 14 days. Follow up sharing in detail, a goal that you are each working towards.

Taken from "Summer Goal Setting" 2016 article  at Rehearsal Magazine