1.

Positive

Goals must be stated in positive terms.  Goals should focus on results. Remember what you focus on is what you will get. Saying, “I want to lose weight” is poor, negative, vague, not measurable.  This is only a wish.

Example

“I will lose weight.”   - Better. Stated in positive terms.

2.

Specific

Goals must be specific. The fatal flaw of most goals is that they are far too general.  The more specific you can make your goals the better.

Example

“I will start a diet and exercise plan,” is better, a little more specific, but still not measurable or specific enough.

3.

Measurable

Goals must be measurable. How will you or anyone else know when it is completed? Another fatal flaw of most goals is that you can never tell when they have been accomplished.  What you want is a statement where it can be determined, by a simple yes or no, whether or not it has been achieved.

Example

“I will join a gym on Monday,” is better. This is measurable because you and everyone else will know whether or not actually achieved it.

4.

Achievable

Goals must be able to be achieved. (Prov. 13:12) “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.”  Often goals don’t happen because they are unrealistic.  Often, less is better.  If we bite off less at a time, we usually can accomplish more.

Example

“I will get a personal trainer to help me reach my goals.” – This will help you achieve your goals by getting some help.

5.

Relevant

Goals must be relevant. If your target is to lose weight, you would have to do more than just exercise.  

Example

“I will start my diet plan on Monday by joining Weight Watchers.” This is relevant because it targets your desire to lose weight.

6.

Time Framed

Goals must have a time frame in which they are to be accomplished.

Example

“By joining a gym, getting a personal trainer and joining Weight Watchers, I will lose 25 pounds by June.”

Now you have it. Notice this goal has all of the elements included.