Setting Identity-Aligned SMART Goals

Introduction

Welcome to Week 03.1 of Masterplan 365! This week, we focused on setting identity-aligned SMART goals. If you couldn't join the live session, this blog will guide you through the key points and exercises we covered. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of how to set goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART), and aligned with your personal identity and values.

Understanding SMART Goals

SMART goals are designed to provide clarity and a concrete path towards achieving your objectives. Here’s a breakdown of each component:

• Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve.
• Measurable: Establish criteria to measure progress and success.
• Achievable: Ensure the goal is realistic given your resources and constraints.
• Relevant: Align the goal with your broader vision and values.
• Time-bound: Set a deadline to create urgency.

Each element of the SMART framework ensures that your goals are clear and reachable. Without specificity, goals can become vague and unmotivating. Measurability allows you to track progress. Achievability ensures you’re setting realistic goals. Relevance keeps your goals aligned with your long-term vision, and being time-bound adds a sense of urgency.

Aligning Goals with Personal Identity and Values

To make your goals more meaningful and motivating, they should align with your personal identity and core values. Here’s how to reflect on and align your goals:

1. Reflect on Personal Identity and Values:

   • Think about what’s important to you. What are your core values? How do you see yourself in the future?
   • Write down a few key points that come to mind. This reflection helps ensure that your goals resonate deeply with who you are and who you want to become.

2. Craft Identity-Aligned Goals:

   • Your goals should reflect your values and identity. For example, if one of your core values is health, a relevant goal might be to exercise regularly or eat healthier.
   • Write down your goals in a way that clearly defines your desired outcomes and aligns with your broader life ambitions.

Developing SMART Goals

Let’s go through the process of developing SMART goals using the SMART goal worksheet provided in your workbook. Here’s an example and guided exercise:

1. Goal Statement:

   • Write a clear, concise goal statement. For example, “I want to improve my physical fitness.”

2. Identity Statement:

   • Think about the identity of the person who achieves this goal. For our example, it might be, “A healthy and active person.”

3. Specific:

   • Make your goal specific. Ask yourself who is involved, what exactly you want to accomplish, and why this goal is important. For example, “I want to complete a 5K run in 3 months.”

4. Measurable:

   • Determine how you will measure progress and success. For example, “I will track my running distance and time each week.”

5. Achievable:

   • Ensure your goal is achievable. What resources, skills, and support do you need? For example, “I will follow a beginner’s 5K training plan and run three times a week.”

6. Relevant:

   • Check that your goal is relevant. How does it align with your identity, values, and long-term vision? For example, “Completing a 5K will improve my health and align with my value of staying active.”

7. Time-bound:

   • Set a clear deadline. For example, “I will complete the 5K run by [specific date three months from now].”

The “ONE Thing” Focus

The concept of the “ONE Thing” from our book of the month, “The One Thing” by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan, is about finding that singular focus that will make everything else easier or unnecessary. For each goal, ask yourself:

• “What’s the ONE Thing I can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?”

Applying the Focusing Question

Take a moment to apply this question to your goals. Write down the “ONE Thing” for each of your SMART goals. This focus helps prioritize your efforts and ensure you’re making the most impactful actions towards achieving your goals.

Homework Assignment

For your homework, complete the SMART Goal Worksheet in your workbook. Draft 2-3 SMART goals and ensure each goal aligns with your personal identity. Use the Focusing Question to determine the “ONE Thing” for each of your goals.

Conclusion

Thank you for following along with our Week 03.1 session. Setting SMART goals that align with your identity and values is a powerful step towards achieving your aspirations. Have a great week, and I look forward to seeing your progress! Don’t forget to share your goals and reflections in our Facebook community. See you next week!

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to setting and achieving meaningful, well-defined goals that reflect who you are and where you want to go.