2020 – Week 3 – Are You Kidding?

This is the third week of writing and revising our DMPs, and this week we add SMART goals.

Ok – what’s that?

If you know where you want to go, but don’t have a map, you’re never going to get there, so it’s time to add SMART goals! Is your goal SPECIFIC? Saying to subby that you want “to lose weight” means nothing. Be specific about it – in the present tense – “I weigh less than 190 lbs” .

That’s a good start, What does subby do with that? – um, not much until she knows more. MEASURABLE – that number on the scale is measurable for sure.

The next step is ACHIEVABLE. Can you weight less than 190 lbs? Sure you can! Then there is REALISTIC. Is it realistic for you to obtain this goal? That depends on the next step – TIMED. Your goal must be timed, or subby doesn’t know when to create this new reality. If it’s October 1 and you weigh 350 lbs, it is not realistic for you to release 161 lbs by November 1; but, it is realistic if you plan to lose two pounds a week by 18 months hence, that is absolutely achievable!

So which do you think subby responds to better? “I want to lose weight.” or “I am thrilled to weigh less than 190 lbs. by April 30, 2022.” The goal is SPECIFIC, MEASURABLE, ACHIEVABLE, REALISTIC and TIMED

Always be SMART with your Goals!