One characteristic of a clear goal is that it is measurable. This means that you can track your progress and know when you have achieved the goal.
A measurable goal allows you to:
- Track Progress: You can easily see how far you've come and what steps are left.
- Stay Motivated: Seeing progress helps maintain momentum and enthusiasm.
- Make Adjustments: If you're not on track, you can identify the problem and adjust your approach.
- Objectively Assess Success: You can definitively determine if the goal was achieved, rather than relying on subjective feelings.
For example, instead of a vague goal like "get in shape," a clear, measurable goal would be "lose 10 pounds in 2 months by exercising 3 times a week and reducing daily calorie intake by 500." The specific metrics (10 pounds, 2 months, 3 times a week, 500 calories) allow for accurate tracking and assessment.
