Written by Ashley Lopez

Hi everyone, welcome back to Ashley Spills. Ashley, here. You can read my last post here. With the year coming to an end, I want to share some recent knowledge and a planning method I’ve learned: SMART goals. This post was inspired by Thrive Blogger Podcast, episode 013 “How to Create a Plan for Your Blog that Actually Works.” The episode dives into SMART goals and all things planning.

SMART goals defined

According to Achieve It, SMART goals were first researched in 1968 and later discussed in a paper by Dr. Edwin Locke; in 1981 the concept was further developed by George T. Doran. SMART goals are goals that are reachable within a certain timeframe (six months, one year, five years, etc.) to improve motivation and boost productivity. Below, you’ll find a planning method.

SMART goals acronym meaning (SMART goals stand for)

Specific: make sure your goals are specific and narrow for effective planning. Ask yourself the five whys: Who? What? When? Where? Why?
Measurable: define what evidence will prove that you’re making progress. (E.g. statistics.)
Attainable: set a goal that is feasible and reachable.
Relevant: your goal should coincide with your values and long-term objectives.
Time-based: set a date or timeframe when the goal should will be done.

You’ll find that A is attainable or achievable, R is relevant or realistic, and T is time-based or time-bound.

SMART goals defined and what it means to me

Specific smart goals means setting a goal that is unambiguous. Instead of my goal being “work from home,” I’ll change it to “work from home by being a freelance copyeditor.”
Measurable smart goals, if I want to become a copyeditor, I can use my bank statements as a source of measurement by adding up income coming in from future gigs.
Attainable smart goals, I can’t set a goal to be a copyeditor without any experience or proper training because that would not be realistic. Don’t set a goal to do something if you can’t do it properly.
Time-based smart goals means making sure my goal has a deadline. Since my copyediting program isn’t over until Fall 2022, I probably can’t make full-time income from it until I’ve finished the program.

SMART goals method and goal planning

1. Put the timer on for 15-20 minutes and BRAIN DUMP all of your goals on a piece of paper. Give yourself time to think about them. Set the timer for 30 minutes if needed.
2. On another piece of paper (or on a spreadsheet), write each goal in column form.
3. On the same piece of paper, make rows and write EACH step or action item that needs to happen for the goal to happen. Yes, this may require a LONG LIST for EACH goal.

Notice that the list under each goal are individual, smaller goals. Now, make sure these are SMART goals and set DUE DATES for yourself. Are they measurable?

Goals example list

This is a space for me to share examples of goals, some are mine and some are not. I hope they help you in setting some goals to help you stay motivated throughout the year. Remember, the idea in setting goals is to give you something to work towards to take control of your own life.

• Learn how to do the crow pose
• Run two miles rather than one
• Learn something new like a dance, recipe, or skill
• Create or pick daily affirmations to help me love myself
• Come up with a relaxing and rejuvenating night routine
• Try to meal prep at least one-two weeks out of the month
• Only eat out once a week, preferably twice a month
• Go on a one mile walk two times a week
• Come up with a good morning routine for myself and my family
• Prepare reminders that I can look to throughout the year when I’m feeling unmotivated (sticky notes on the walls)
• Make a list of all the things that inspire me
• Give myself an hour to set goals and try the SMART goal method before the New Year!

This week I challenge you to tackle the last bullet point and get to brainstorming the next year of your beautiful life. For the next few weeks I will be sharing some tips, tricks, and insight on how I set New Year’s resolutions and ways we can both stay accountable in reaching our goals (because ya girl needs it).

Before I let you go, I’d like to announce that my new post days will be every Thursday and every other Sunday. Exciting things are coming in 2022.

Thanks for reading, xo.

Other resources

SMART Goals planning worksheet

This week’s Amazon finds

Framed Paint by Numbers for Adults and Kids-Paint by Numbers-Paint by Numbers

Kids Dinosaur Toys STEM Educational Kindergarten Preschool Learning Counting Game for Boys & Girls

Molds for Resin Casting Silicone Mold Tray

Mrs. Anderson’s Baking Non-Stick Steamed Pudding Mold with Lid

VViViD XPO Burgundy Dry Carbon Fiber Vinyl Wrap Roll with Air Release Technology 

Disclaimer: As an Amazon associate, I earn from Qualifying Purchases