| Part two of a two-part series | | | | S-specificM-measurableA-actionableR-relevant, |
| In part one, we explored the importance of | | | | risky or realisticT-time bound |
| authenticity to guide our decisions. At the core, | | | | Goals that are defined with these attributes |
| we should look to our own values to support the | | | | assure that we have both the accountability and |
| vision that we have for our lives and ourselves. | | | | the authority to achieve them. As you set goals, |
| We also discussed how taking actions that are | | | | take care with all of the SMART attributes, but |
| inconsistent with either the vision or the values | | | | pay particular attention to the M and the R |
| leads to frustration, inaction or dissatisfaction. | | | | components. Someone once said, "What gets |
| In this article, we will take a look at the second | | | | measured gets managed". Measurability provides |
| dimension of Values, Vision and Goals: | | | | the feedback we need to tell us how far we |
| ACCOUNTABILITY. Accountability can be defined | | | | have come, how much further we have to go |
| as "the state of being accountable, liable, or | | | | and whether we need to make adjustments to |
| answerable" 1. Let's focus on the word | | | | get us back on course. |
| answerable. To be accountable for something | | | | The description of the R component differs |
| means to be answerable for it. If the values are | | | | depending on who is defining the acronym, but I |
| our own and the vision is our own, to whom are | | | | would encourage you to try to incorporate all |
| we accountable? Ultimately, we are responsible | | | | three. Choosing goals and measures that are |
| for and answerable to our personal vision for | | | | relevant to each other and to your vision and |
| success and happiness. Within our values, vision | | | | values creates integrity and authenticity. Goals |
| and goals, we have the accountability and the | | | | that have risk associated with them push us to |
| authority--even the responsibility to take action. It | | | | achieve more and goals that are realistic keep us |
| is vitally important that each person acknowledge, | | | | grounded. |
| accept and affirm this fact. By doing so, we are | | | | Consider this approach for breakthrough results. |
| empowered. | | | | Set BIG goals! Set goals that reflect a quantum |
| Goals enable us to articulate our accountability to | | | | leap toward your vision. Acknowledge that they |
| the overall vision. Goals monitor our progress | | | | may take longer than weeks, months or even a |
| toward that vision and provide "on-course | | | | year to achieve, but keep the momentum going |
| off-course" feedback to us. In order to be | | | | by setting realistic targets to accomplish within |
| effective and to give us the navigation that we | | | | those time frames. Hold yourself accountable to |
| need, goals should have certain attributes. | | | | their achievement with regular review of the |
| Typically, these attributes are framed in an | | | | metrics you have chosen. Through the power of |
| expression referred to as SMART goals. SMART | | | | authenticity and accountability, see where your |
| goals can be described as: | | | | values, vision and goals will take you. |