The Power of Goal Setting and Achievement

There is a school of thought that says all the goals you create must be S.M.A.R.T. goals. This means each goal you write down is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Tangible or Timely. I take issue with the words realistic and attainable. After all, who defines what is possible in the realm of reality? I believe goals should be “stretch goals” - goals that are achievable and also require stretching your perceived limits. This extra push provides inspiration and motivation. Stretch goals are win-win and even if you fall short of achieving a stretch goal, you’ve probably exceeded your “realistic” goal.The word attainable bothers me for similar reasons. Obviously, you want your goals to be within reach, so that same “stretch” should be added for additional motivation and inspiration.I believe each goal must have a specific target date (month, day, and year) associated with it. Most people assume that just noting the year with a goal is specific enough, but goal setting requires pinpoint specification. Be sure to note a day, month, and year for each goal.  In theory, working toward your goals is not complicated and being perfect isn’t a requirement. Do the activities that move you toward your goals, and stop doing the activities that do not move you toward your goals – it really is that simple. The rule should be that most days you perform most of the activities that move you closer to achieving your goals. Being perfect isn’t a requirement. Consider what would happen if most of what you said and did every day moved you toward the achievement of your goals.   Download my complimentary Special Guidebook, Are Limiting Beliefs Stopping You from Achieving Your Goals?, by going to https://www.accountabilitycoach.com/request-guidebook-limiting-beliefs/. Subscribe to my high-value proven business success tips and resources Blog (https://www.accountabilitycoach.com/blog/)  Want more from The Accountability Coach™, subscribe to more high-value content by looking for me on https://www.accountabilitycoach.com/my-podcast/ and on most podcast platforms and in most English-speaking countries, or by going to https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/accountabilitycoach.com/id290547573.  Take advantage of all the complimentary business tips and tools by joining the Free Silver Membership on https://www.accountabilitycoach.com/coaching-store/inner-circle-store/.  Go to https://www.accountabilitycoach.com to check out for yourself how I, as your Accountability Coach™, can help you get and stay focused on you highest payoff activities that put you in the highest probability position to achieve your professional and personal goals, so you can enjoy the kind of business and life you truly want and deserve.  I’m the author of many books, including, Excuses Don’t Count; Results Rule, Live Life with No Regrets, No Excuses, The Guide to Stopping Procrastination, and the Work Life Balance Emergency Kit, The Roadmap To Success with Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard, and more.   Aim for what you want each and every day!  Anne BachrachThe Accountability Coach™