It feels that spring is just around the corner. After a long and cold winter, we can feel it in the air how hope is slowly unraveling in front of us, with a fresher perspective on our direction of travel. We are almost in a transitional phase, peeling off the layers we have added to protect us and keep the warmth within, trusting that we have integrated the lessons presented, preparing us for the new season ahead. We allow our „inner-knowing“ to guide us through this process where we’ll start bringing to life the vision that we have created.
This is the time where we start pondering about how our vision can take shape, who do we want to create it with and set up a sustainable long-term plan that will support our desire, not just for the short term.
How can we do that? One of my favorite strategies to use is the SMART framework:
S -Specific
The more specific you can be with setting your goals, the more suitable action you will be able to take. Supported by your vision, it can be slightly more big-picture framed. Vague and undefined only sets up to failure, as we can get lost in the details – details are fun and help us to create a more appropriate solution.
M – Measurable
Ask yourself: is it quantifiable? Having a measurable goal allows you to identify when exactly it has been reached and it gives you a better understanding of what needs to be done or changed in order to get to that goal.
A – Achievable
And sustainable – for you and the environment. The reason to set a goal is to ignite an element of motivation and drive within you but if it’s too high and unrealistic, it can cause the opposite effect. It’s crucial to make it gradual. You’ll have short-term and long-term goals, and the short-term ones will gradually increase and evolve as you progressively move forward.
R – Realistic
t can be something really good to have an amazing vision but it’s important to be aware of our starting point and evaluate available resources at that moment of time we set ourselves up for this new change – time, equipment… whatever assets are required from you.
T – Time-bound
Planning is essential. Coming up with a routine, with a day and week plan to make sure you have an allocated time for this task. This way you’ll stay motivated and disciplined about going for it – with proper breaks, days off and rewards. (the best way to keep you going!)
Did you know of the SMART system? All in all, frameworks help us to create clearer and detailed plans for us to make the change, but without your desire, your WHY and the willingness to do what it takes to get there, they can’t do much on their own.
Spend some time connecting these two parts of the process – the desire (objective) & why (your sustain) and how to bring it into action.
Ps: Discover my new series Coaching 123 where we cover all coaching-related topics weekly – check all available episodes here, in our COACHING LAB
Monica first discovered yoga and mindfulness two decades ago while developing her career in a result-driven and high-demanding corporate environment. They brought a sense of freedom, inner-peace and calmness that have accompanied her ever since. She combines different styles of yoga and somatic inspired movement (Vinyasa, Slow Flow, Yin, Restorative and Nidra) with sound therapy, coaching and energy healing in order to create deep transformative experiences.
Her style is playful, creative and inquisitive, creating her unique “Holistic Wellbeing” offering, which combines cognitive, emotional and experiential frameworks to empower individuals to embody their authentic and resilient self. Based in London, she works as a teacher, retreat and workshop host both locally and internationally.