Setting goals is easy, but achieving them is hard. The way we think about ourselves, and our abilities not only affects the way we feel, but it can also affect healthy risk-taking. Our inner dialogue influences whether we develop, achieve goals, and go on to learn new skills. The goal-setting process begins with our internal dialogue and how we speak to ourselves. By incorporating a self-love approach, we can shift our focus from fixing deficiencies to achieving success. Through goal development and achievement, confidence and belief in our abilities grow exponentially. Setbacks are inevitable but they are not the problem. How we choose to respond determines our future. A positive inner dialogue can help us accept who we are despite insecurities, challenges, and setbacks. In our own lives setting one or two SMART Goals a week can help with organization, increased clarity, and more time to do the things you love.
(S) Specific. When you write down your goal it should be as specific as possible. What exactly do I want to accomplish?
(M) Measurable. What will you measure to know you are successful? How much? How many?
(A) Achievable/Attainable. Is this realistic for me? Do I have what I need to achieve this goal?
(R) Relevant. Why am I doing this? Will this help me professionally or personally? Does this matter to me?
(T) Timing. set a due date or a reevaluation of this goal. When will I have this completed?
Submitted by Danielle Kowach, LCSW
How Setting Goals Can Help and Hurt Your Mental Health – The Best Brain Possible