Step 4.Timing

A couple months ago I suggested the SMART Goal System to my employer. To follow up, I had a conversation with my boss. He said, they are still interested in the System, but don't have time for it right now. We will see as time progresses.

To clarify, there is a difference between the SMART Goal System and a SMART Goal. A SMART Goal is a specific, measureable, attainable, relevant, and trackable goal. The SMART Goal System is a 7 step process surrounding that goal. Earlier posts include steps 1-2, which are a prequel to making a SMART Goal. Making SMARTGoal is step 3. This post is steps 4, which 4-7 are the follow up to SMART Goals.

Step 4. Timing

Having the right timing with goals is vital. When will it start? When will it finish? When will it start showing improvements?  How does the goal fit into the future vision? Your future depend upon how you use your time.

Oswald Sanders put it this way:

"The character and career of a young person depends on how he or she spends spare time. We cannot regulate school or office hours—those are determined for us—but we can say what we will do before and after those commitments. The way we employ the surplus hours, after provision has been made for work, meals, and sleep, will determine if we develop into mediocre or powerful people."

Achieving goals takes time. After creating a goal,  we quickly want results, but time needs to run its course.  Before we get the produce, we need to do the farming. The Little Red Hen taught this lesson. All the other animals wanted the bread at the end, but not the work to get there.

In my early 20's I gradually became aware of the spiritual disciplines of a Christian life. Donald Whitney has a list' 15+ in his book Spiritual Disciplines. After reading his book, I convinced myself I could learn them all in one go. With enough spiritual zeal I could instantly become mature. But it doesn't work that way.

The best way to build discipline is to grow off current discipline. Discipline breeds discipline. Yep, you heard me, you already have discipline. Think of a car payment or home mortgage. These take discipline paid in increments. Incremental achievements is the only way to achieve goals. If you think you've beat the crowd and attained a discipline without sweat and toil, you will pay for it later or it won't last.

Therefore, when it comes to timing goals, be realistic. There is no benefit in making goals that are far fetched. People make huge goals only because of their huge egos. They want to feel important. That is why people fill their schedules so that they are always busy. Rich and poor people alike, both will say "I am too busy". It is because their ego compels them to fill there schedules, because it makes them feel important. Make realistic goals and stick with them. Don't fill your life with activities that don't lead to a goal.

Start by taking things off the schedule that are none-goals, and start filling those slots with disciplines. You will start doing things you always wanted to do.

1. Assessment
2. Mission/Vision
3. SMART goals
4. Timing
5. Responsibility
6. Action Item
7. Flexibility. 

Sanders, J. Oswald (2007-05-01). Spiritual Leadership (Kindle Locations 1753-1756). Moody Publishers. Kindle Edition