Update: February is Gone. Five ways to get back on track with your SMART goals

Hi everyone. I certainly missed talking to you. I hope you are doing fabulously.

So I know this is a very loaded title since it automatically assumes that you are off track with your smart goals. If you clicked on this link, there is an 80 percent chance that you are. Don’t despair. We still have 10 more months in the year. That means 83 percent of the year is still before us. Whew, what a relief. That means you can still Ace those SMART goals but it also means you will have to work harder and smarter.

1)    Take a minute to review and become reacquainted with those goals that you set at the start of the year.

One goal I shared with you was that I was going to blog at least once a week. I was doing pretty well but I dropped the warm potato last week and failed to post a blog. I would say that’s a ‘Thumbs down Shellecia.’ Seriously though, it is ok to make a mistake or skip a workout or to have some cookies….that’s fine.  We just need to ensure it is a rare occurrence and don’t allow it to develop into a habit.

2)    Review the reasons why your SMART goals may be off track. Were they Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-based? Is it your fault that you are off track or were there other reasons beyond your control? Chances are most of the reasons for stumbling are your own, so take responsibility right now.

I am taking full responsibility for the many mornings this year that I failed to get out of bed to exercise because it was ‘so dark’ or my favourite excuse for 2012 ‘those look like rain clouds.’ I am operating somewhere around 60% and I pledge to do better in March. However, there were mornings when it was raining or I was off island and I couldn’t go running even if I wanted to. What I could have done however were some indoor exercises so really everything comes back to us right? Take full responsibility – claim your own victories and your own defeats.

3)    Set new timeframes to measure your progress if you feel you cannot achieve the timeframes you had set. If you are willing to put in the time and effort please do stick with original timeframes. Ensure you measure your progress at these times. 

4)    Share your goals with others. Secrets are the enemy to achieving your goals. Tell your friends and family what you want to achieve and many of them will be your biggest supporters and encouragers.

Persons ask me all the time, how is the exercising going and I can only give half positive answers. This is definitely motivation to do better. I know if I do better, others around me or observing me will automatically do better as well. It is a great cycle of encouragement.  

5)    Finally, Just Do It. Taking action will always be the best step we can take if we are serious about achieving our SMART goals.

Goals are amazing as they give us a sense of purpose and ignite our passions. I hope you are still positive about achieving your goals. I certainly am. The naysayers and discouragers are probably knocking hard on your front door by now but put in your earphones. Side note: I have some cute earphones with the Jamaican colours.

Follow these five tips and you will successfully achieve your SMART Goals for 2012.

We will talk again in a few days. Post a comment below and share your SMART goals for 2012.