I’m a big fan of goal setting. I’ve written about it a few times on this blog. I really believe that having specific goals gives you a target to aim for. It’s motivation. Each time you cross a goal off your list it drives you to complete the next one.
I also believe in setting S.M.A.R.T. goals.
I spent New Years Day setting a number of S.M.A.R.T. goals for 2013. If you’ve never done it before, here’s how.
S.M.A.R.T. Goals
S – Specific: Make the goal very specific. Don’t say I want to buy a new microphone. Say I will buy a Neumann U87. Don’t say I want to expand my voice over business. Say I will make $1,000 more each month.
M – Measurable: If you don’t have measurable criteria for your goal, how will you ever know if you achieve it? Don’t say I want to submit more auditions. Say I will submit 10 a day. Don’t say I’ll send out more demos. Say I’ll send out 20 each month.
A – Attainable: It’s important to set goals that will stretch you, but it’s also important to set goals you can actually reach. For example, if you’re brand new to the voice over business saying I want to become the voice of NBC isn’t likely attainable. Saying I will voice a commercial that will air on my local NBC affiliate is more attainable.
R – Relevant: Making a goal to spend 30 minutes on the treadmill each day before 10am is a specific, measurable, attainable and timely goal. But is it a relevant goal? If your desire is to expand your voice over business or improve your voice acting skills, it’s important to set goals that have that connection. For example, I will submit 5 auditions and send out 1 demo each day by 2pm.
T – Timely: Goals need to have deadlines. When you know what day the milk will expire, you’ll make sure you drink the milk before that date. You don’t want to waste it. Goals work the same way. If we don’t set a deadline, we’re less likely to achieve them. Your goals can be daily, weekly, monthly or even yearly. They just need to expire so you’re more motivated to achieve them.
QUESTION: What kind of SMART Goals have you set for 2013?
