MANIFEST YOUR DREAMS

We all have goals. Though sometimes they feel like mirages, fictional or dreams that are unachievable.There is something you just aspire or wish to achieve, get or learn. Whether it’s to get fit, save money, or finally learn how to make that perfect cup of coffee (seriously, how do baristas do it?). You don’t need magic or superhuman willpower to achieve them, you just need to set SMART goals.

Basically this is what SMART goals is all about:-

S – Specific. Be crystal clear about what you want to achieve.

M – Measurable. Make sure you can track your progress.

A – Achievable. Set goals that are challenging but within reach.

R – Relevant. Ensure your goal aligns with your broader life plans.

T – Time-bound. Set a deadline to keep yourself accountable.

SMART goals provide a framework for turning your ambitions into achievable milestones. In this article, we’ll dive into what SMART goals are, how to set them, and how you can achieve them faster (no time machine required!).

Step 1: Be Specific About Your Goal

Imagine telling a friend, “I want to be successful.” Okay, but what does that mean? Winning the lottery? Learning to juggle flaming swords? When your goals are vague, it’s hard to know where to start or what success looks like. Make it Specific: The more specific your goal, the better. For example, instead of saying, “I want to get in shape,” say, “I want to lose 10 pounds by working out four times a week and eating more vegetables.” precisely! Ask yourself the 5 Ws;-Who, What, Where, When, and Why—to clarify your goal.

Step 2: Make It Measurable

You wouldn’t set out on a road trip without a GPS, right? Okay, maybe if you’re feeling adventurous, but let's avoid getting lost here. A measurable goal is your GPS. It lets you track your progress and see how far you’ve come. Measuring your goal helps you stay motivated, because there’s nothing like seeing results to keep you going! If your goal is to read more, turn it into something you can measure: “I will read 20 pages of a book every day.” That way, you can easily track whether you’re hitting your target or if you need to play catch-up. Break your goal into smaller milestones, so you can celebrate your progress along the way. It is very important to celebrate your small wins

Step 3: Set an Achievable Goal

We all love to dream big, but if your goal is to become an astronaut by next Thursday, you might be setting yourself up for disappointment. The key is to set a goal that’s ambitious yet realistic. Think of it as aiming high, but within a reasonable sphere. If your goal feels impossible, break it down. For example, if you want to run a marathon but haven’t laced up your running shoes in years, start with the goal of running 100 meters, then work your way up. Please make sure your goal is something you can control. You can’t control external factors like your boss giving you a raise, but you can control your effort like improving your skills to earn that raise.

Step 4: Keep It Relevant

Life is too short to chase goals that don’t really matter to you. A relevant goal is one that aligns with your long-term aspirations and values. If your goal isn’t meaningful to you, it’s easy to lose motivation and let it fall by the wayside. Well like your abandoned New Year’s resolutions. Ask yourself why this goal is important. How does it fit into the bigger picture of your life? For example, if your long-term goal is to become financially independent, setting a relevant goal might be to create a budget and save Ksh 500 a month.If you’re not excited about your goal, tweak it until you are. If it feels more like a chore than an achievement, it’s time for a change!

Step 5: Make It Time-Bound

Ever heard of Parkinson’s Law? It states that “work expands to fill the time available for its completion.” In other words, if you give yourself an infinite amount of time to achieve your goal, you’ll likely never finish it. A time-bound goal creates a sense of urgency, motivating you to take action instead of waiting for the perfect moment. The perfect moment is now. Give yourself a deadline. Instead of saying, “I’ll start my side hustle someday,” say, “I’ll launch my website by November 1st.” A ticking clock pushes you to stay focused and avoid procrastination.Try setting mini-deadlines for smaller tasks along the way. These bite-sized goals will help you stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.

How to Achieve SMART Goals Faster

Now that we are smart in setting our goals how do we achieve them?

1. Take Immediate Action

Don’t wait for Monday, the start of the month, or the next lunar eclipse—start now. Even a small step today can lead to big momentum tomorrow.

2. Stay Accountable

Share your goal with a friend, join a group, or use an app to track your progress. Accountability is a powerful motivator.

3. Review and Adjust

Life happens. If you hit a roadblock, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, review your progress and adjust your plan. Remember, flexibility is key to staying on course.

Remember setting SMART goals is like giving yourself a roadmap to success. By making your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound, you turn vague dreams into actionable plans. And with a little focus and persistence you’ll achieve them faster than you think.

Now, go out there and start crushing your goals—you’ve got this!