A goal without a timeline is a wish. We may get to it someday but it’s likely we will put it off. To motivate us, our goals need to have a definite time frame or due date. The “T” in the SMART-EST goal system stands for TIME BOUND and means we need to assign a definite time period to our goal.
When thinking about a goal date or time frame, keep in mind that some goals will be ongoing. For example, if we want to reduce our monthly spending, we don’t want to reduce spending for just one week or one month. We want to create a “new norm” at a lower spending level. For example, we might write this goal: “I will reduce my monthly average spending on eating out from $200 per month to $150 per month for at least 8 months over the next 12 months.” Instead of a due date, you want to hit this goal a certain number of times within a specified period.
For a more traditional goal such as “Complete [target] by [due date],” make sure you set the appropriate deadline. Often in the business world, we set goals for the end of the year or whenever we have an annual review process. The problem with having the same deadline for all of our goals is that we often fail to take action the rest of the year and then scramble to complete our goals in the last quarter/weeks before the deadline. The human brain has a difficult time getting motivated when we perceive a due date as far away. A year is far away for most of us! Consider setting goals with due dates throughout the year and perhaps on a quarterly schedule since a 3-month period is short enough to keep you moving!
Everyone works towards goals a little differently and each goal is different, so there is not an ideal time frame for every goal. However, when setting goals, there is a concept we use in the Lean Six Sigma world that can help us decide on the best timeframe for a specific goal.
Step 1: Estimate the fastest you could reasonably achieve that goal assuming your schedule/life went perfectly.
Step 2: Think of similar goals you have done in the past and the actual amount of time it took.
Step 3: Set a timeframe that is somewhere between the “fastest” you could possibly do it and the average amount of time it has taken you in the past to accomplish a similar goal.
You are pushing yourself to grow and accomplish the goal quicker than is comfortable but also including a dose of realism!
One final thought, remember to review your goals and deadlines regularly. Better yet, put those deadlines on your calendar and set alerts/reminders along the way so that they are unforgettable!
Need some help working on your goals? Check out our Master Class Courses page for our goal-setting course starting on January 17th!
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