#WCW=We CAN Wednesday: Get S.M.A.R.T. with your #GOALS

They see pictures, they say ‘Goals’; B***h, I’m who they tryna be.
— Cardi B, Bodak Yellow

We are already a month into 2018, how are those #Goals looking?

Time flies whether you're having fun or not, so this year we are making the most of the time that we have! That said, where are you with your #2018Goals? Have you already thrown out your resolutions, or maybe just backslid a little bit? I, myself, have been fairly on top of my personal goals for this year by incorporating more daily physical activity, watching my food intake, and reading through the Bible*. Admittedly it has been a challenge thus far, so when my pastor, Dr. David Ireland, began a series called "A Life of 20/20 Vision" with the theme of goal setting and goal achievement, it was right on time. In his message, Dr. Ireland challenged us to focus on our goals for the year (and beyond), write down the goals/vision we have for our lives, and take steps towards achieving those goals.

A not-so-clear picture of my vision board

At the beginning of the year, many of us wrote down our New Year's Resolutions and/or made Vision Boards to illustrate our intentions going forward. During the pursuit of these goals and dreams, we sometimes get distracted and pulled away from our path. In an effort to stay on-track throughout the year, Dr. Ireland reminded us to use the S.M.A.R.T. method by considering our goals on a deeper level, we increase the probability that we achieve them. Determining whether our goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely will guide our actions as we actively pursue them. For example, some have expressed the desire to have a "glow-up" year like rapper Cardi B (my girl!). It seems like a somewhat specific idea which can possibly be measured by money and Instagram followers, but is it achievablerealistic, or timely? In my case, Heck NO!! I can't rap, sing, dance, or perform and as I knock on the door of 40 years old, I don't have the stamina or desire to try to become a superstar. I'll leave that to the professionals (and ask for forgiveness for citing Cardi B and my pastor in the same post, but I digress). However, my professional goal of consistency in developing my business brand is S.M.A.R.T. and already in progress.

Make sense?

So are you being S.M.A.R.T. with your goal setting? If not, start today! Journal your thoughts about the goals that you have set for yourself. Be honest in your evaluation of those goals. Ask yourself the S.M.A.R.T. questions. Adjust those goals to make them reachable, then take baby steps (or realistic strides) towards getting them done. 2018 will be my best year yet, because I have determined to reach my goals. It can be yours too.

Let's be S.M.A.R.T. together!

Love, 

Tev

* I know that I'm not the only Christian who has yet to read the Bible from cover to cover. This is our year to do it! There are several reading plans available online to help. Go to www.BibleGateway.com for more information. Start today!