As we enter the second half of the year, it’s time to revisit your professional goals.

Are you on track?

If yes, that’s great news! Review your goals and make sure you include any adjustments.

If not, then take time now to plan your action steps for the second half of the year.

Block off an hour to review your professional goals. You may need more time, but at least an hour will get you started on this process.

Use the acronym SMART as you review each goal.

SMART represents specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound.


Specific:

Making your goals specific will move it from broad statements to something more detailed.

It’s breaking down a big step.

For example, if your goal is to increase sales, being more specific would break that goal into smaller steps.

Ask yourself how you will increase sales. These actions will become your specific goals.


Measurable:

Measurable goals allow you to determine if you’ve achieved them.

Using the previous example, how much do you want to increase sales – is it a revenue amount or quantity of items sold?

Once you reach that number, you can easily conclude you have achieved that goal.


Attainable:

Creating attainable goals will help you stay motivated.

For example, if your goal is to be a rock star, but you have no musical or vocal talent, you’ll be disappointed that you can’t reach your goal.

This step ensures your goal is realistic.


Relevant:

Life is constantly changing. Things that were important at the beginning of the year may have shifted in priority.

For example, if you were planning to look for a new job, but things have improved at your current job, then that goal is no longer relevant.


Time-bound:

Adding a timeframe to your goal is similar to setting a deadline.

If you want to increase sales and are measuring by the revenue amount, how much time will you give yourself to reach this number?

Another example is timing your request for a raise with when your manager works on the upcoming budget for next year.


Using the SMART concept to define your goals will help you create more professional successes.

Stay PEF (positive, enthusiastic, and focused), and make 2024 your best year ever!

(Update to original post from July 18, 2018)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA®, RICP®, is a Managing Director at Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life, and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter, and financial advisor. Her services include developing  comprehensive financial plans, divorce financial reviews, and retirement plans. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’”