Smart Goals Part III of III: Get Dreamy About Your Goals

Get DREAMY

We've taken a few days off and have really thought about our goals. We know what we have already and are thankful for it, and that helped us narrow down what we really want. We took our narrow focus and made some very specific outlines of goals. Are you ready to finalize them and get into action? Are you sure?

Then let's dream our way into successful goals. D.R.E.A.M.Y. is an acronym that will help you realize if your goals are sustainable or not. In other words, do you have a shot at achieving them?

D – Definiteness of Purpose

Is your goal specific to what you want to accomplish? When we narrowed your idea down the other day, did we say all we wanted to say? If your goal is not specific you leave yourself susceptible to coming up short. “I will never quit on myself,” you say. Believe me, if you don't have a clear-cut objective, it will be easy to say, “close enough.”

“I am a millionaire by Aug 5, 2016.”

R – Right-Away

What is your time-line for achieving this success? You need something that you can achieve NOW! If the goal is too far off on the horizon, you are likely to put it off until later. Or it will be burned by the setting sun. Either way you lose.

Not only should it be attainable soon, but it should be clear enough that you can see the first step necessary in achieving it. The longer you wait to start the less likely you'll get around to it. You should start right-away!

“I am a millionaire by Aug 5, 2016. I will start by completing my business concept by Dec 1, 2011.”

E – Easy

If your goal was just to get an A in your Marketing class you set yourself up for failure. Make it easy. If it is not attainable, you'll lose interest and give up. You can do it! Just make it easy on yourself and break it down a little.

“I am a millionaire by Aug 5, 2016. I will have a business concept by Dec 1, 2011. The first thing I am doing is brainstorming my likes and dislikes. Then I will see what matches my 'why' the best and narrow it down.”

A – Attainable

Can you really do it? Is your goal whittled down so far that you know that you can do it? If you don't believe it, you will never achieve it. Ever. So make it realistic. If you have to modify it, then do it. It is better to achieve 6 small goals and hit the target than to miss with just one big goal.

“I have a personal financial worth of $100,000 by August 5, 2012,increasing my self worth every year until I reach my main goal of $1,000,000 by August 5, 2016. After brainstorming, I will match the best ideas with my 'why' and whittle down my business idea from there.”

M – Measurable

As shown under 'Attainable' you'll see that I have a measured success of $100,000, then raise it until I hit my goal. That is a measurable mark. I can make the $100,000 and know that I hit the goal. But what I want you to do now is to set up your increments. Then plot what steps you need to do in order to hit those smaller goals.

“I am a millionaire by Aug 5, 2016. My business idea is completed by Dec 1, 2011 and develop a plan to implement the business by Dec 31, 2011. I will have the business operational by Mar 1, 2012. I will...”

Y – YOU!

You are the magic factor in making your goals a reality. If there is a weak link in this formula, this is it.

And if you want change, you are the first on the list. You can have all of the goals you want but if you do not change your attitudes, beliefs, or habits - nothings going to change.

Think of what people who already have achieved this goal. What are their habits? How is their attitude different from yours? Do they believe in themselves more than you do? They are your models. And if you know someone who has already accomplished what you want to accomplish maybe they would be interested in being your mentor. If not, they may be willing to give you some tips or help you with your plan. Don't be ashamed of needing help. Nobody is a success alone.

Click here if you need to read Part I or Part II.
For a short article on narrowing your focus towards a goal check out this HubPages article.