How do you set specific goals for maximum success? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back.

HOW TO USE FRUSTRASTION TO FIND CLARITY

Like many of us, I’ve set goals in the past where I hit the ground running, only to lose sight of my original intentions as the tasks became monotonous and draining. It’s easy to get caught up in the grind and forget where we were even headed. Trust me, I’ve been there countless times, feeling frustrated and overwhelmed, questioning my life’s purpose despite thinking I had it all figured out.

When things get messy and I start doubting my initial drive, I know it’s time to take a step back. I revisit the goal I set for myself and analyze where things went wrong. If I’m lucky, I had written it down, but oftentimes, the so-called “goal” I set wasn’t really a goal at all – it was fuzzy and didn’t align with who I truly am. So, I’d throw in the towel, only to find myself months later wondering why I didn’t stick with it in the first place, thinking how far I would have come by now. It felt like starting over, and I couldn’t figure out what went wrong.

You see, the problem was that the goal was still something I wanted, but I was expressing it in a way that wasn’t allowing me to truly grasp where I was aiming to go. In this episode, we’ll strip away the ineffective goal-setting methods and learn to set goals that are not just specific and aligned, but also proven to stick around and guide us to our desired destinations, or perhaps even to places far better than we imagined. But before we go headfirst into the specifics of setting goals, let’s discuss the best way to approach SMART goals.

THE REAL REASON YOUR SMART GOALS ARENT WORKING

Now, I won’t assume you’ve never heard of SMART goals because, let’s face it, if you’re anything like me, you’ve come across them from every success or business guru out there. However, what if I told you there’s more to it than what they’ve been telling us? SMART goals, which stand for specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely, serve as a roadmap to help us set goals that keep us engaged, growing, and reflecting. They provide a pathway for us to navigate through obstacles and unexpected detours that life throws our way.

Now, let’s be real, I won’t claim that SMART goals are the ultimate solution that will magically bring your dreams to life. Even armed with all the answers, we’re bound to make mistakes. One common pitfall when setting SMART goals is falling into the trap of vagueness. Maybe you feel insecure about setting a specific goal and opt for a smaller, safer one. Perhaps you’re intimidated by putting your audacious dreams on paper because verbalizing them makes them real, and it triggers feelings of unworthiness. Or maybe you unknowingly set a goal that lacks clarity.

When it comes to setting specific goals, it’s crucial to get real, raw, and honest about our true desires. Take the example of wanting to eat healthier. We’ve all been there, surrounded by unhealthy food choices and excessive coffee consumption, realizing that a change is necessary. So, we set a goal to eat better, to prioritize our well-being. But here’s the thing: simply stating the goal isn’t enough. We need to define what it means to achieve that goal, to truly transform our habits. For me, it means having three well-rounded meals a day and incorporating two nutritious snacks filled with fruits and vegetables. Your version might be different, and that’s okay—I’m not a dietitian. The key is to specify the details that will mark your progress. By celebrating each milestone along the way, you’ll know you’re moving forward toward your ultimate objective- a healthier life.

Now, let me tell you, goal achievement is my jam. I’ve been setting goals and hustling to reach them since I was a fetus. But here’s the thing, crossing that finish line isn’t always guaranteed. So, we need to focus on the benefits of setting specific goals, because what if we never reach that endpoint? We need to make sure we’re gaining something along the way, right?

HOW CLEAR GOALS SUPERCHARGE YOUR GROWTH

First off, setting specific goals increases productivity and focus. When you wake up in the morning with a clear direction for your life, you know exactly how to spend your precious time. Days may feel long, but weeks can feel short, and how we spend each day determines how we live our lives. Now, I’m not saying rest isn’t important, but having a purpose beyond ourselves, and taking action toward our goals, makes us feel aligned and oh-so-good.

Another benefit of setting clear goals is the formation of new habits and positive changes. Let me give you an example. I set a goal to prioritize quality sleep. I’m all about that eight-hour snooze fest. So, I started tracking my sleep with this fancy ring called the Oura Ring. And guess what? Every time I had even a single glass of wine, my sleep quality plummeted. My heart rate didn’t decrease like it should, which affected my recovery. So, I made the choice to become sober or at least sober curious. Setting that specific goal led to a whole new level of sleep and overall well-being.

Now, here’s the kicker. When you set clear goals that align with your true self, you’ll find that new habits and goals naturally form, positively impacting various aspects of your life. It’s truly mind-blowing how amazing it can be.

But wait, there’s more! Clear goals also give you the motivation to overcome obstacles. Trust me, I’ve faced my fair share of setbacks and derailments. I’ve been off track for months, feeling overwhelmed and out of place because I couldn’t dedicate time to my purpose. But you know what? I’ve learned that goals are the key to resilience. They may test you, make you question your path, and shift your priorities. But when you have that clear goal in alignment with your soul, you can always come back to it. It becomes your guiding light, pulling you out of the darkness and propelling you forward.

TIPS TO GET CLEAR FOR YOURSELF

So, how do you set specific goals that really work? Here are a few helpful tips.

1. Include action words in your goal statement to provide clarity and direction. By stating specific actions, such as going to the gym three days a week for strength training, adding cardio, and having well-rounded meals. Setting specific goals is indeed crucial for achieving success. Instead of a vague goal like “I want to lose weight,” a specific goal would be “I will lose 10 pounds by going to the gym three days a week for strength training, incorporating cardio, and maintaining a well-rounded diet.” By focusing on the actions required to achieve the goal, you create a roadmap for success.
2. Make sure your goals are purposeful and aligned with your values and aspirations. Remember, they are personal to you, and it’s not necessary for others to understand or support them. Keep in mind the quote, “God gave you the vision, and it’s not for anyone else to see.” Embrace the fact that your goals are unique to you and take ownership by putting in the necessary actions and love towards achieving them.
3. Write your goals down and regularly review them. Life can be distracting, and if your goals are out of sight, they can easily be forgotten. By writing them down and keeping them visible, whether it’s on a vision board, in a journal, or as digital notes, you create a constant reminder of where you’re heading.

By setting specific goals, taking purposeful actions, and regularly reviewing them, you create a powerful framework for achieving your dreams. Stay committed to your goals, and remember that they are a reflection of your unique journey.

Remember, the magic of setting crystal-clear goals is not just about being specific, but also about infusing your goals with action-packed words that ignite your soul and align with your deepest values and aspirations. Jot those bad boys down and craft a roadmap, not as a rigid rulebook, but as a trusty guide that keeps you on track and fired up. When life throws you off balance or overwhelms you, this roadmap becomes your unwavering compass, reminding you of the milestones you crave and the path you’re meant to tread.

EMBRACE YOUR INNER GYMNAST & GET FLEXIBLE

But here’s the thing,  while doing this we also need to embrace flexibility along the way. Life has a way of throwing unexpected changes and new opportunities at us. We have to be open to new information, paths, and possibilities that may come our way. It’s about staying creative and adaptable, so we can overcome challenges and maintain resilience. Remember, our identity and worth are not solely defined by our goals. We are capable of growth and achieving things beyond what we initially imagined.

Let me share a personal story. As a young gymnast, my goal was to become one of the top-rated NCAA gymnasts and earn a college scholarship. Gymnastics was my everything, and I dedicated hours upon hours to training. But at the age of 14, my world turned upside down with a cancer diagnosis that ultimately led to the amputation of my leg. It was a devastating blow that shattered my identity and what I thought defined me.

Looking back now, I realize that my mistake wasn’t in setting the goal or putting in the work. It was in wrapping my entire identity and self-worth around that one goal, without allowing room for the flexibility of life. Embracing flexibility means staying focused on our desired outcome while being open to new paths and opportunities that may lead us to something even greater than we imagined.

After relearning how to set goals, allowing room for life to flow me into new directions with similar intentions, I found myself living a life beyond my wildest dreams. I found myself standing atop podiums in multiple countries and competing in Paralympic games. I met incredible people and grew as a woman, mother, wife, advocate, and more. All of this was possible because I embraced flexibility and allowed my goals to evolve along with my journey.

Alright, my friend, get ready to embark on a journey of empowerment and transformation! In this podcast episode, we’re diving headfirst into the exhilarating world of setting specific goals and embracing flexibility like never before. It’s a power-packed episode that will leave you feeling inspired and motivated to take charge of your dreams! So, come on board, and let’s explore the boundless possibilities that await when we merge clear goals with adaptability. You won’t want to miss these incredible stories of personal growth and the extraordinary outcomes that lie ahead. Let’s make magic happen together!