Goal #1: Write 15 Blog Posts
In my last post, I discussed setting goals. And I also mentioned that I would post my own goals on this blog, so I would be accountable for achieving them. Following along with the steps in my previous post, I will set my first goal.
Step 1. Set goals that motivate you.
This first goal is designed to help me out with this blog and help to motivate me to work regularly with DYL. I’m unsure how many posts other bloggers write every month or week, but this goal will establish my own rhythm for posting frequency.
Step 2. Be SMART about your goals.
Recall that SMART goals are:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Relevant
- Time Bound
This goal is SMART because it is:
- Specific: Although sweet and simple, this goal clearly defines what I want to achieve.
- Measurable: I want to write 15 blog posts. More is great! Less is unacceptable.
- Attainable: There is very attainable, especially, by the deadline I’ve set for myself.
- Relevant: This goal is extremely relevant: It will help me to establish this blog and motivate me to write for it.
- Time Bound: I am setting a deadline of September 30, which gives me 33 days to write 15 posts.
Step 3. Write them down.
My first goal is:
To write 15 blog posts for “Diversify Your Life” by September 30, 2010. These posts will not be “filler” posts, but unique, quality posts that are beneficial to the general reader community.
This is simple enough for me to attain, but is important because I am a new blogger. I need to establish a normalcy with writing. The goal is very specific and measureable. It’s relevant to what I’m doing and has a set deadline.
Step 4. Develop smaller steps to achieve your overall goal.
My next step is to break down this goal and identify how I can achieve it on time. I have 33 days to write 15 posts, which means I need to post a blog about every 2 or 3 days. Really, this means I need to write 3 or 4 (closer to 3) posts a week. So, my sub-goals will include:
- Sub-goal #1: Write 1 post per week as it relates to my own personal financial situation. I will publish this post on either Tuesday or Wednesday. This sub-goal will be restricted by the deadlines and criteria of the main goal.
- Sub-goal #2: Start a series about developing a budget. I will publish 1 post per week on Thursday or Friday. Although deadline is set for September 30, I will likely continue to write this series beyond September 30.
- Sub-goal #3: Establish 4 more goals for my financial future. These goals will be posted on Sundays until September 30.
- Sub-goal #4: Whenever possible, write a post about an “open” topic. This is a backup sub-goal, just in case I have not written 15 posts with sub-goals #1-#3.
Step 5. Stick with it!
This step is part of the on-going process. I will definitely stick with this goal. I am also aware that I may misstep with my sub-goals, but I will overcome these obstacles to achieve my overall goal.
