MINDFULLY JUMPING INTO 2016!
DID YOU MAKE A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION? WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR 2016?
January is a great time to set goals. Perhaps you want to learn something new, improve a skill, or even eliminate something from your life. There’s nothing quite like the feeling that comes from reaching a goal and being able to say, “I did it!”
Whatever your goal may be, we want to encourage you to make it a SMART GOAL. SMART goals are focused, clear and time-bound.
Here is a basic guide to follow so YOU can make and achieve your goals this New Year. Of course we used a capoeira related goal as our example, but you can apply this method to any goal you set out to achieve.
Developing SMART goals:
SPECIFIC: Be really specific here. The questions “what,” “when,” and “how” are answered in this step. For example “By June 15, 2016, I will learn to play the São Bento Grande rhythm for the medio berimbau. I will play well enough to play alone and in the roda with the accompaniment of all capoeira instruments. I will accomplish this by practicing berimbau after class for 10 minutes, once a week for 6 months.”
MEASURABLE: Establish concrete criteria for measuring progress. So, let’s add to your goal… “To measure my progress I will tape myself once a month to hear progress made, and ask Mestra Márcia to give me feedback that I can apply to my practice.”
ATTAINABLE: A successful goal must be attainable-not too difficult-or you’re setting yourself up for failure from day one. You can attain most any goal you set when you plan your steps wisely and establish a time frame that allows you to carry out those steps. SO for example, if you only come to class twice a week DO NOT make the goal be practicing 3 times a week. Instead maybe consider making the time to reach you goal further out, and reduce the set practice time to once a week.
RELEVANT: Make sure your SMART goal is important enough that you’ll want to make the necessary changes and sacrifices to achieve it.
TIME-BOUND: A goal should be grounded within a time frame. With no time frame tied to it there’s no sense of urgency.
Another important aspect of SMART Goals is how they’re stated. Start with “I will.” Something as simple as stating “I will” instead of “I’ll try” commits you to reaching that goal, and removes the wiggle room.
Lastly, share your goal. This act makes your goal that much more real, can inspire others to dream up their own goal, and will generate support for your efforts.
Whatever your interest, whatever your dream, make a SMART goal, ask for support, and then get after it!