The theory of SMART goal setting is sound but there is a significant key that is missing. The true motivation for the goal. This is not I want more energy or a healthy lifestyle but is something that is personal and is emotionally significant.
I come from a long line of women who develop cancer. Poor sleep can contribute to this condition. I know it is an issue but it is not something that will drive me to change. I am also going to college for my MBA. I am quite passionate about school because it affects my self-worth, my career and education really revs up my life. I know that in order for me to be a successful student I need to be well rested. That will allow me to think clearly so I can take in new information, write papers and take quizzes. This is much more likely to motivate me to change my sleep pattern so I will be more successful in school. Now that I have this emotional motivation I can create my SMART goal to achieve.
I will go to bed at 9:30 pm on weeknights and 10:30 pm on weekends (this hour difference is not drastic and allows me time to be with my son in the evenings on the weekends). I will meet this bed time 26 out of 30 days a month. I will share this with my mentor so I can be held accountable. This goal is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time specific. It allows me to not be perfect. It takes into account what I need to do to achieve it.
If I want to get more specific I would include my sleep routine that would start at 9 pm and would include my 10 minutes of yoga, 15 minutes of reading and 5 minutes of night-time hygiene. The more specific it is the more likely I am to follow through.
Once I have achieved one goal as part of my lifestyle than I can add a second goal. I would rather be successful at one thing than to fail at multiple things because I was unable to balance all my expectations.
