Setting personal goals annually and quarterly, just like you would in preparation for an annual review, is a way to set your intention for the future and prioritize what matters most to you. Here are some examples of areas of your life where you could set personal goals:
- Financial (emergency fund, savings account, pay off debt, etc.)
- Romantic Relationships (start dating again, plan a date night, spend more quality time together, etc.)
- Friends/Family (make a new friend, plan a trip, call a family member, etc.)
- Health and Wellness (self-care, exercise routine, mindfulness, better sleep, etc.)
- Fun/Recreation (learn a new instrument, play a sport, play more board games, etc.)
- Personal Growth (read a book, gratitude practice, journal, therapy, etc.)
- Career (change careers, side hustle, start a business, etc.)
- Educational (learn a new skill, go back to school, etc.)
- Environment (move to a new city, find a new apartment, change workspace, spend time in nature, etc.)
Now that I’ve got your wheels turning, let’s explore the idea of turning your personal goals into SMART goals! The acronym SMART stands for:
S – SPECIFIC
M – MEASURABLE
A – ATTAINABLE
R – REALISTIC
T – TIME BOUND
Please note: There are slight variations of this acronym (ie. Actionable for A). Choose whichever speaks to you!
Example Goal:
“Get more exercise.”
Vs.
“Go for a 30 minute walk around the neighborhood 3 times per week after work by March 31st.”
Which sounds more SMART to you? Hopefully the second one! Here’s why:
SPECIFIC – A walk is a specific form of exercise
MEASURABLE – The 30 minute duration and the 3 times per week can be measured
ATTAINABLE – Ask yourself (and potentially your doctor) if walking 30 minutes, 3 times per week is safe physically. How comfortable do you feel doing this?
REALISTIC – Same as above, is 3 times per week realistic? Account for schedules and things that often get in your way in the evenings.
TIME BOUND – Setting an end date for this goal “by March 31st” means you intend to work your way up to 3 30-minute walks per week over a period of time, and not immediately.
Setting 3-5 personal goals is something to expect when working with a health coach. With my clients, we usually set goals in the first or second session. Our work together is then centered around learning what will help you achieve the goals you set over a three month period. We explore previous successes in similar areas, build up your confidence, experiment, and adjust your goals along the way with every new insight. Goals are fluid and will change. There are no failures, only take-aways.
