Did you set your goals for the next year?

Has it happened to you that what you promised to change or start in the New Year had already been forgotten in the middle of January? Probably you’ve set goals that are too general, too ambitious, or something that you don’t really care about.

The S.M.A.R.T. Protocol offers a guide to setting your goals that are in accordance with your abilities, are time-limited and measurable.

S (Specific) It is very important when you set your goals to be specific as possible, so not to feel frustration setting a general goal. It is important to specify: What do you want; Why do you want it; How are you going to get it; When do you think you can achieve this goal.

M (Measurable) Setting a goal that is measurable helps to evaluate your progress.

A (Achievable) Achievable – The goal has to be set according to your abilities.

R (Relevant) Here the direction is deeper towards your internal motivation: Why do you want to achieve this goal? Reaching it will give you personal satisfaction or is it for some reason / external pressure? Only if you want or do something for your self-realization you can achieve it or when you achieve it, it gives you satisfaction that nourishes your soul.

T (Time-specific) Set specific time when you will reach the goal. It is important to set up enough time to avoid unnecessary frustration.

Specific steps:

1. Write your goals!

2. If the goal is challenging, break it into small parts with specific steps and weekly, monthly goals that ultimately culminate in reaching the challenging goal.

3. Review your goals often, if necessary make adjustments.

 4. Recognize each success for reaching each step that brings you closer to your final goal.

Remember happiness is not a final destination but a process, a lifestyle if you allow yourself to enjoy each step on your way to fulfill your dreams.

Anita Chukaleska, Psychologist, Gestalt Psychotherapist. 29. 12. 2019