Goal Setting

Hello. I am Colleen Kelly, the Chief Financial Officer for KenCrest. I am happy to be Marian’s guest blogger for the month of August. My blog series will share some of my thoughts on leadership. This is my third blog, and the topic is goal setting. I welcome your feedback.

Having a vision and goal setting go hand in hand.  If you set goals without having a vision, you could be moving in the wrong direction.  If you have a vision and no goals, you have no way to make your vision happen.  Goal setting is the strategy used to achieve your vision and desired outcome.

A goal is a specific and measurable objective that you set for yourself. It is a short-term focus, something that you want to achieve in the near future. Unlike a vision, which is more about the long-term, a goal is concrete and achievable within a specific timeframe. It provides you with a clear direction and acts as a roadmap to help you reach your desired outcome.

One way to set goals is to use the SMART framework. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Setting goals that follow these criteria ensures they are well-defined, realistic, and aligned with your vision.

Specific: A goal should be specific and well-defined. It should answer the question of what exactly you want to accomplish. By stating your goal in a specific manner, you can focus your efforts on a particular outcome and gauge your success in reaching it.

Measurable: Measurability means establishing benchmarks for progress, enabling you to monitor advancements and identify when you’ve attained your goal. You can use key performance indicators (KPIs) metrics to set your objectives.

Achievable: A goal should be concrete and tangible, something you can clearly visualize. It should be realistic and within the realm of possibility with the necessary effort and resources. Setting realistic goals increases your chances of success and keeps you motivated.

Relevant: Your goal should be relevant and aligned with your values, interests, and long-term goals.

Time-bound: Each goal should have a specific timeframe attached to it. By setting a deadline for your goal, you create a sense of urgency and accountability. This time-bound aspect helps you prioritize your actions and make the necessary adjustments as you work towards it.

Goals are meant to help you focus your efforts and resources and motivate you to take action and make progress toward your desired outcomes. Setting goals equals having a bigger picture, a vision that you want to achieve. When you use the SMART method to set goals, you can focus and prioritize your actions and help make your vision a reality.

Consider where you can start using SMART goals, both personally and professionally. Some personal goals could include health goals like getting more exercise and eating more vegetables or financial goals like increasing your savings or paying down debt.  Professional goals could consist of skill development or performance improvement. Once you’ve identified an opportunity, use the SMART method to determine how to move forward. Happy goal setting!