Published April 29, 2022
Updated April 14, 2023
Set goals, set objectives. Both of these nouns are similar, but differ in meaning. Begin Habits or Workout Pride, use diverse placement of “goal” and “objective”. There are long-term and short-term goals which effect progress. Recognize their correlation to strategize improvement. Learn how to write your own SMART goals below.
Article’s Goal
Speed reading relates equivalent word definitions for a general conclusion. For example, the reader might give the nouns “goal” and “objective” the same meaning. Their arrangement implies passing obstacles in a logical sequence.
Definitions for “goal” and “objective” are below along with fitness and meditation examples. Mente Soul wishes everyone a strong mind which starts by learning to plan for the future.
Define Objective
Throughout any project, goals and objectives enter the discussion. We all desire to know how to complete a mission. The end of a route is the objective. This ending contains several procedures.
A fitness objective details the skill(s) acquired from internal self-improvement. The abilities have quantity or quality metrics. Personal growth indicates the behavior advancement to achieve your body today. The objective finishes with new areas to focus on in the next path you take.
Define Goals
Certifying a project’s completion announces closure of all steps. Each task in a project form the short-term goals. Every goal should follow the SMART acronym:
Primary Goal:
- Specific – What task fits the next step of the objective?
- Measurable – How are task quantities/qualities calculated?
- Attainable – Is this goal feasible considering your body?
- Relevant – Does this goal relate to the objective’s purpose?
- Timebound – When does this task end?
The SMART goal list implements stages to surpass a barrier.
Fitness Example to Set Goals
People might wonder about extremes when considering fitness objectives. Some joke about developing a body like Arnold Schwarzenegger. Others talk about shrinking to a supermodel’s size. Those missions aren’t wrong, but not accomplished in a few months.
Look up to an achievable target.
I hear people saying nonsense like, “Dude I’m gonna get so swole from this workout!” Stop. Don’t compare yourself to others. Have a reasonable thought. What is your primary objective for the next few months? An overweight individual might write the following for example:
SMART Goal – Walk 3 days of the week for at least 30 minutes
- Specific – Lose 5 lbs. In one month
- Measurable – Check bodyweight at beginning and end of week
- Attainable – Time, clothing, comfortable shoes and watch are available
- Relevant – Walking is a natural exercise
- Timebound – At the end of week four, calculate bodyweight
You measure your weight on the final day of the fourth week. The scale’s weight contrast to the beginning shows a loss of 2 lbs. The goal wasn’t met, but learn why. Modify the next goal to meet the weight-loss objective.
If the calculation was a five-pound difference, the goal completes with victory. Finishing a goal questions the path. Are you taking a step towards the objective?
Meditation Example
After trying meditation in a yoga class and reading about meditation benefits in a health magazine, you decide to practice this individually. To start, you schedule 15 min. of free time during the day to assist mental health in the next two months by creating a SMART goal:
Specific: 15 min. of time secluded from any noise and devices which take your attention away from the current task.
Measurable: An alarm clock will sound after 15 min. has passed. Along with the timer, a journal is placed by your dinner table. After an hour or more has passed from meditation, you plan to write about your mood overall.
Attainable: Meditation studies reveal how it lowers stress and anxiety. To read more about starting to meditate please read How to Start Meditating.
Relevant: You are on a life mission to improve mental and physical health.
Timebound: 2 Months determines the time by which you will review the effectiveness from practices.
Gym Visit Example
Dissatisfied by your physical appearance and health attributes you choose to start training at a gym. A gym membership is purchased for 3 months. The plan to exercise at the gym at least 3 times a week is described inside a monthly planner. The SMART goal in the note section is as follows:
Specific: Referring to work and other daily procedures, you designate 45 min. to exercise three times during the week. The clock begins after you check in at the doors.
Measurable: The gym has a weight scale to measure body weight. You will write personal weight at the end of every week and feelings noticed throughout the day.
Attainable: Exercise studies reveal physical and mental benefits from consistent practice with correct form. You have time available, gym membership, and clothing to train.
Relevant: Modifying one’s health starts by prioritizing it before other activities which disagree with goals. Visiting a gym follows the goal to satisfy physical and mental.
Timebound: 12 Weeks of attempting physical exercise is set from the gym membership. At the end of 3 months, you will review attitude and weight measurements.
Pass or Fail
The goal finishes at the deadline you chose. The attainable measurement gives feedback for the next specific step forward. Any result initiates your reaction to advance.
A goal is only a footstep on the route. Failure is certain if you remain stable after defeat. Briefly celebrate a goal’s success to stay concentrated on its’ purpose. Win or lose, you learn more about yourself. Form the next short-term goal in the objective’s direction.