Productive Spaces and Routines
STRETCH and SMART goals are a useful framework to execute upon your mission. STRETCH goals are BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) that are difficult and novel, that require new approaches of doing things to create changes that rise you to the next playing field of achievement. SMART goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time bound and help us form a concrete plan of action in order to make the stretch goal a reality.
For stretch goals come up with a menu of your biggest ambitions. Dream big and stretch. Describe the goals that, at first glance, seem impossible, such as starting a company or running a marathon. Then choose one aim and start breaking it into short-term, concrete steps (smart goals). Ask yourself: What realistic progress can you make in the next day, week, month? How many miles can you realistically run tomorrow and over the next three weeks? What are the specific, short-term steps along the path to bigger success? What timeline makes sense? Will you open your store in six months or a year? How will you measure your progress? Within psychology, these smart goals are known as ‘proximal goals’ and repeated studies have shown that breaking a big ambition into proximal goals makes the large objective more likely to occur.
Your smart goals should consider (1) what you do, (2) who you do it for, and (3) how you do what you do. These goals should reflect your beliefs and core values and becomes the standard by which you measure your progress.
The following outlines considerations with developing smart goals:
1. Specific: Your goal should be clear and specific, otherwise you won't be able to focus your efforts or feel truly motivated to achieve it. When drafting your goal, try to answer the five "W" questions:
2. Measurable: It's important to have measurable goals, so that you can track your progress and stay motivated. Assessing progress helps you to stay focused, meet your deadlines, and feel the excitement of getting closer to achieving your goal.
3. Achievable: Your goal also needs to be realistic and attainable to be successful. In other words, it should stretch your abilities but still remain possible. When you set an achievable goal, you may be able to identify previously overlooked opportunities or resources that can bring you closer to it.
4. Relevant: This step is about ensuring that your goal matters to you, and that it also aligns with other relevant goals. We all need support and assistance in achieving our goals, but it's important to retain control over them.
5. Time-bound: Every goal needs a target date, so that you have a deadline to focus on and something to work toward. This part of the SMART goal criteria helps to prevent everyday tasks from taking priority over your longer-term goals.
For stretch goals come up with a menu of your biggest ambitions. Dream big and stretch. Describe the goals that, at first glance, seem impossible, such as starting a company or running a marathon. Then choose one aim and start breaking it into short-term, concrete steps (smart goals). Ask yourself: What realistic progress can you make in the next day, week, month? How many miles can you realistically run tomorrow and over the next three weeks? What are the specific, short-term steps along the path to bigger success? What timeline makes sense? Will you open your store in six months or a year? How will you measure your progress? Within psychology, these smart goals are known as ‘proximal goals’ and repeated studies have shown that breaking a big ambition into proximal goals makes the large objective more likely to occur.
Your smart goals should consider (1) what you do, (2) who you do it for, and (3) how you do what you do. These goals should reflect your beliefs and core values and becomes the standard by which you measure your progress.
The following outlines considerations with developing smart goals:
1. Specific: Your goal should be clear and specific, otherwise you won't be able to focus your efforts or feel truly motivated to achieve it. When drafting your goal, try to answer the five "W" questions:
- What do I want to accomplish?
- Why is this goal important?
- Who is involved?
- Where is it located?
- Which resources or limits are involved?
2. Measurable: It's important to have measurable goals, so that you can track your progress and stay motivated. Assessing progress helps you to stay focused, meet your deadlines, and feel the excitement of getting closer to achieving your goal.
- How much?
- How many?
- How will I know when it is accomplished?
3. Achievable: Your goal also needs to be realistic and attainable to be successful. In other words, it should stretch your abilities but still remain possible. When you set an achievable goal, you may be able to identify previously overlooked opportunities or resources that can bring you closer to it.
- How can I accomplish this goal?
- How realistic is the goal, based on other constraints, such as financial factors?
4. Relevant: This step is about ensuring that your goal matters to you, and that it also aligns with other relevant goals. We all need support and assistance in achieving our goals, but it's important to retain control over them.
- Does this seem worthwhile?
- Is this the right time?
- Does this match our other efforts/needs?
- Am I the right person to reach this goal?
- Is it applicable in the current socio-economic environment?
5. Time-bound: Every goal needs a target date, so that you have a deadline to focus on and something to work toward. This part of the SMART goal criteria helps to prevent everyday tasks from taking priority over your longer-term goals.
- When?
- What can I do six months from now?
- What can I do six weeks from now?
- What can I do today?