Michael Hyatt talked about SMART goals in his podcast this week. This acronym stands for:

Specific
Measurable
Actionable
Realistic
Timebound

SMART goals are specific. For instance, rather than writing that you want to lose weight, clarify that your goal is to lose 10 pounds by March 31, 2013. By setting an exact number of pounds you make the goal measurable. A SMART goal is also actionable, therefore, begins with an action verb. You don’t want to write that you hope to read more in 2013, but rather that you will read 5 new books by February 15, 2013 and then set a specific goal for the following six weeks after the first is accomplished.

It is also important to be realistic when setting goals. If you write that your goal is to lose 20 pounds in the next two weeks, you will most likely be disappointed. But a goal of losing 2 pounds per week for the next 10 weeks is reasonable and attainable. By setting an end date for the goal, it becomes timebound.

Michael also encourages stating the reason for the goal. For example, you may want to lose weight so that you will live to see your grandchildren get married. He states, “figure out the why and it will make the what so much easier.”

How are you doing with your goal setting for 2013?