Get SMART to achieve your goals

It is important in whatever we may do to have clear understanding of the goals, and for that we need to recognise the path to tread and the methodology to achieve them.

Goals in life must be SMART Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time bound. The challenge for many of us if that we look too much in the past, the present, or the future. It is important for us learn from the past without allowing it to cripple us, prepare for the future without being unrealistic, and live in the moment without fear or doubting yourself and your worth.

Those who spend a lot of time in the past tend to be serious procrastinators. Procrastination and resistance are two main things that are designed to cripple our progress and cheat us from living a fulfilled life.

It starts by getting to know yourself and then learning to implement strategies and systems to help you improve and grow.

Once you identify your goals then you should establish your objectives that will break down how you will achieve them. It is important to believe in yourself and continue to improve on yourself as you strive to maximise your full potential.

It would also be helpful to determine what success means to you. Some people measure success by material things, education and opportunities, money in the bank, good health, strong spiritual foundation, long-lasting relationships, and being able to overcome obstacles.

Whatever success means to you, which could very well be a combination of a few things, you need to figure out what success is to you as it will help you to measure your growth and accomplishments towards your goals.

Staying true to self

It starts by taking pen to paper, some quiet time to reflect, staying true to yourself and being honest, looking at both your strengths and weaknesses, your values, what is important to you, what you would like your future to look like, what needs to be done to start the process, and what systems you will put in place to provide ongoing support.

If you don't know where you are, then you won't know where you need to be. You also need to remember your journey and those who helped you and continue to help you along the way. Show appreciation and respect every step of the way. Learn as much as you can from those who have experience and who are willing to share. Remain humble and never think you have all the answers. Don't be afraid to ask for help, and don't be afraid to say you are sorry and to forgive. Though these things may sound easy, when you give it more thought you may realise it's not easy to do as it requires putting aside your fears, ego, and insecurities.

There is no meeting that happens by accident but rather by design, and only time will reveal all things. Take advantage of every opportunity presented to meet people. learn something new even if you don't see its relevance immediately.

Give people your undivided attention, and show respect and appreciation in all you do. Read more and pray more as you continue to strengthen, develop, and grow towards your true potential and purpose. In order to succeed you must first believe you can.

- Laura Butler is a business and career development consultant with Fusion Consulting Jamaica. She serves as a consultant to some of the leading companies in Jamaica and has been a consultant to numerous leaders in the Caribbean and North America. She can be contacted at fusionconsultingltd@gmail.com or 469-427-2007.