So you've painstakingly gone through a process to write down some goals. With this, how will you know when you've achieved them. Or, better yet, are they even achievable in the first place. We completely understand how easy it is to get stuck in this cycle, because we've been there. That is, until we discovered the power of S.M.A.R.T goals. 

S.M.A.R.T. goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bound. This is a skill that will develop over time. If at the end of a quarter (or year) you find yourself unsure about whether or not your goal is done or not done—it was not written S.M.A.R.T.

Let's take a closer look at S.M.A.R.T. goals:

1. Specific—”research MBA programs” is not specific; “Research and document pros and cons of 3–5 MBA programs” is specific. 
2. Measurable—”Get in better shape” vs. “Able to run 4 miles in under one hour”.
3. Attainable—Is this possible in this timeframe and do you have the resources you need to complete it?
4. Realistic—Is this something you should be doing and is it realistic for you.
5. Time-bound—Does it have a deadline? Hint: If you set up annual and quarterly goals in The Perfect Planner™, this is already done!

If you're having a hard time scratching longer term goals off the list, then chances are your goals might need to be rewritten. Take a good hard look at each one and give it the S.M.A.R.T. treatment. You'll be on your way in no time!