when you think of the word “goals” what comes to mind? do you think of small goals or large goals? do you picture color-coded spreadsheets or goal templates? do you imagine drinking more water, going to bed earlier, or your daughter kicking the ball into the net at her latest soccer game?
maybe you start to sweat because goal setting really isn’t your thing (i can relate). on the other hand, perhaps you feel a twinge of excitement at something new to work for.
personally, i cringe a bit when i hear the word goal. i will admit – there is a small sense of hope and optimism that comes with the thought. but there’s always the worry about whether the steps needed to meet that goal will fit into my real life. because as you well know, mom life isn’t known to be all that flexible and accommodating to new and time-consuming things. which can make the word “goal” sound a little heavy (or even intimidating!).
want to know how to change that?
in my head when i hear the word “goal” i like to change it to the word “to-do” instead. because what i’ve come to learn is “to-do’s” feel like something that fits into my everyday mom life. to-do’s GET DONE. goals, on the other hand, goals feel like they will take more time than i have. can you relate??
to-do’s = more doable!
in addition to reframing the word “goals” in my mind, i’ve also been diving into setting S.M.A.R.T. goals (or if you prefer, S.M.A.R.T. to-do’s). the S.M.A.R.T goal setting strategy is not new. it was originally coined by George Doran, Arthur Miller and James Cunningham in their 1981 article “There’s a S.M.A.R.T. way to write management goals and objectives.”
if you’re already good at goal setting, then this will be just the motivation you need to KEEP AT IT. as you probably know, the S.M.A.R.T. goal strategy it’s one of those methods where, even if you’ve heard about S.M.A.R.T. goals before, there is always something to be gained from a refresh. even better, i’ve added a couple letters to the S.M.A.R.T goal acronym to add in some gratitude and celebrating small wins along the way!
on the flip side, if you’re not great at setting goals, i am excited to share the simple step-by-step i am following (because i am not great at setting goals either). PLUS, you’ll also have the chance to make your goals (to-do’s) even S.M.A.R.T.E.R. + grab a S.M.A.R.T. goals template at the end of this post.
so let’s get to it so you can set S.M.A.R.T goals you can actually accomplish in your busy-mom day!
first, the S.M.A.R.T acronym says that goals should be:
S: specific – goals should be clear and well-defined (this is where i struggle. mine are usually too vague).
M: measurable – goals should contain something that is measurable so you can easily keep track of progress and be able to know when a goal is complete (i also struggle here. data collection is not my favorite).
A: attainable – goals should be realistic and possible within the timeframe you decide (again, i struggle with the realistic part).
R: relevant – goals should make sense for the direction you are trying to go in – personally or professionally.
T: time bound – goals should have a deadline.
BUT…because i think a pinch of gratitude makes everything better (especially goals), i like to add an extra E.R. to the end of S.M.A.R.T. to make even S.M.A.R.T.E.R. goals (and i have a feeling you’ll appreciate this too!)…
a S.M.A.R.T.E.R. goal says that goals should be:
S: specific – goals should be clear and well-defined
M: measurable – goals should contain something that is measurable so you can easily keep track of progress and be able to know when a goal is complete.
A: attainable – goals should be realistic and possible within the timeframe you decide.
R: relevant – goals should make sense for the direction you are trying to go in – personally or professionally.
T: time bound – goals should have a deadline.
+
E: each LITTLE step –small wins should be celebrated.
R: recognized with GRATITUDE – with frequent pauses for gratitude along the way.
let’s take a look at this strategy in action with one of my real mom-life goals…
this year, i have a goal (to-do) to walk 1 mile outside every day. here’s how i used the S.M.A.R.T.E.R goal strategy to help map it out and stay motivated…
SPECIFIC: in 2022, i will walk 1 mile a day outside, without any earbuds or electronics.
MEASURABLE: i will wear my iwatch to keep track of my daily walks and occasionally post progress on my personal facebook stories.
ATTAINABLE: yes, this goal is possible in my current season of life.
RELEVANT: yes, this goal makes sense and is much needed to help me appreciate the rain and cold weather MUCH more than i do now.
TIME BOUND: i have one year to complete this goal, with 3 grace days if i happen to forget to do it.
EACH LITTLE STEP: first small win – walking on day one in the cold, cold rain. second small win – walking on day 2 in the snow! how i celebrated – i rewarded myself with a blanket on the couch, curled up to watch a show after my walk (something i rarely do).
RECOGNIZED WITH GRATITUDE: on my walks, i have noticed the sun and the moon out at the same time, bright shining stars, the crunch of snow, fresh, cold air filling my lungs, the sound of a wind chime, the twinkle of the streetlights, and enjoyed the company of my husband, my son, my daughters, and two of my neighbors. THIS KEEPS ME MOTIVATED! without this goal, i would have missed these blessings!!
ready to make it super easy to start making some S.M.A.R.T.E.R (and way less overwhelming) goals in your own MOM LIFE? you can grab the S.M.A.R.T.E.R goals template right HERE. and bonus…it’s part of an even more valuable resource called notice the LITTLE things WEEKLY – your 2022 guide to creating a life & home where GRATITUDE has room to thrive!
download your S.M.A.R.T.E.R. goals template HERE because your busy day DOES have time for new to-do’s especially as you try to do more of what matters to YOU – and now you have all the right tools to get started!
