I’m a big fan of Tony Robbins, who says that “who says that “Progress equals happiness.” Personally, I think he’s right about that. And what I’ve noticed over the years is when I’m planning and achieving a goal of some sort, I am my happiest.

It’s when I lose sight of my goals and dreams and step off the path that I get frustrated. I may feel like I’m not moving forward, so setting goals and achieving them is big for me.

That’s not to say that I’m always in a high achieving mode or that I don’t fall short of my expectations occasionally, and, you know what, that is OKAY. But, for most of us, achieving success will include failed steps along the way. Even Thomas Edison had 2,774 failed attempts at the light bulb before he achieved success.

The thing is, we all have different dreams and goals and ways we go about reaching them; however, if you hit that place where you are struggling to meet your goal, you might need a little help, and that’s where the S.M.A.R.T. Goal, a 90-day plan comes in.

Of course, not everyone likes to put a goal on paper, but tell you what, it’s been a game-changer for me, and having that growth mindset has helped me in my business and personal life.

Side Note: Plan and Goal are interchangeable for this post.

So, what type of goals are best with a 90-day S.M.A.R.T. Plan? Think of something you may want to increase, decrease, improve upon, reduce, save for, or how you might want to develop yourself.

Here’s a list of at least ten different things you could use this plan for.

1. Lose weight
2. Start working out
3. Play the guitar
4. Read more books
5. Run a ½ marathon
6. Plan a vacation
7. Learn Spanish
8. Start writing a book
9. Declutter your home
10. Develop better eating habits

So, how do you put the plan to work for you? Follow the steps below, and you’ll have a S.M.A.R.T Plan put together in no time. It shouldn’t take more than 15-30 minutes of your time.

S.M.A.R.T. Plan

Specific — Set a specific goal. Be as clear as you can, setting the goal. Then ask yourself, could it be more specific?

Measurable — The specific goal must be measurable. From where you are today, how can you measure the progress of the target (goal)?

Examples: Weight from a scale, how clothes fit, how you feel, body measurements, etc.

Actions — List as many action steps you can take to help you reach your specific goal. Take your time and make it as comprehensive a list as possible. Then rank the action steps in order of importance.

Examples: Lift weights at the gym three days a week (M/W/F), walk 2 miles (T/Th), go to bed earlier, get to the gym before work, clean out the pantry of all foods not on my plan, etc. Then rank them in order of importance.

Reasons — List all the positives of why you want to achieve this goal. Then list all the negative things that could happen if you didn’t work on your specific goal.

1. What would your life be like if you did it and if you don’t?
2. Does it create any other problems or delay something you desire?
3. Does it change how you feel about yourself or how others think of you?

Timeline – Set a completion date. Ninety days is the optimum time for most purposes; if the goal takes longer, break the goal down into smaller goals that will lead to the primary goal.

Lastly, post this S.M.A.R.T. Plan where you will see it every day. Send a copy to an accountability buddy, a workout partner, your significant other, and a coach, and stay committed and focused on the specific goal!

Remember, it is not Hocus Pocus; it is FOCUS!

So, what goals do you have that the S.M.A.R.T. Goal Planning formula would work for?

Need more ideas or help with planning your goals? Schedule a complimentary 30-minute call with me, and let’s get you on track for whatever goals you want to achieve.

Happy Planning,

Vonie