We all know the importance of having goals. Goals give us a final endpoint to work towards, goals motivate us to improve, and goals are a central part of both our long-term and short-term success. We are constantly thinking about our personal and professional lives; what have we accomplished so far, where we are currently, and where do we want to be down the road. Most of us look to change, look to grow, look to better ourselves, and the first step in making that change is setting goals.
As a court reporter, setting and maintaining goals is imperative. In an on-the-go industry that is constantly evolving, setting goals with a clear path to the finish line will only lead to success. Knowing what you want is easy, knowing how to get there… well, that’s the hard part.
So how do we create realistic goals and how do we ensure those goals are reached? We approach them in a S.M.A.R.T. way! Below you will find a few tips and strategies for setting and accomplishing goals using the S.M.A.R.T. goal setting method:
S: Set Goals that are SPECIFIC –
When you sit down to set your goals, make sure you are specific as to what you would like the end result to be. When you are specific with your goals, there is a greater chance of you getting them accomplished. To get started specifying your goals, grab a piece of paper and jot down the “Five W’s”
Who: Who is involved with accomplishing the goal? Will you be doing it on your own or will you need to rely on others?
What: What would you like to accomplish? Do you want to begin providing realtime? Do you want to get a new certification? Do you want to work towards dropping your untranslated rate or write faster? These are all examples of having a clear idea of what you would like waiting for you at the finish line.
Where: Where will accomplishing your goals come from? Will you need to take a realtime class? Will you need to sign up for a certification exam? Where can you practice your writing to improve your skills? Knowing where and what you need to do in order to accomplish your goals will allow you to better plan ahead and prepare.
When: When will you begin working towards this goal? When will this goal be completed?
Why: Why are you working towards this goal? I want to be more qualified. I want to expand my skills to be able to take on more jobs and receive more money. I want to save time on editing drafts. Having a specific reason, purpose or benefit as to why reaching your goal is important will help you stay on task and see the bigger picture.
M: Set Goals that are MEASURABLE –
When thinking about your goals it is important to make sure they are measurable. Being able to measure your ongoing progress helps you stay on track. Write down specific targets and milestones you can work towards throughout the process, this will help make sure you are moving in the right direction. As you hit these marks you will see the finish line getting closer and closer.
A: Set Goals that are ATTAINABLE –
Is this goal attainable? Will you be able to reach your goal in your projected timeframe? Will focusing on this goal interfere with your current obligations? Don’t set goals or timeframes for yourself that you know you will never be able to reach. Only set goals that are achievable, not goals that will overwhelm you and cause you stress. Motivation comes from accomplishment, so realistic goals with manageable steps will help ensure the best results.
R: Set Goals that are RELEVANT –
The goals you set for yourself as a court reporter should be relevant to the industry and your profession. Network with other reporters, attend conferences, and see where the industry is currently at. What technology is being used? What methods are being used? You don’t want to spend months/years working on a goal only to find out it has become obsolete by the time you accomplish it.
T: Set Goals that are TIMELY –
Similar to setting goals that are measurable, a successful, obtainable goal needs to be timely. Set a deadline for when you must complete this goal. Without a time line there is no sense of urgency. For example, by saying “I have paid for and signed up to take the certification exam on June 1st”, you have created an urgency and have started the process of working on your goal.
A goal without a plan is just a wish. By using the S.M.A.R.T. method to set forth and work your goals you are turning your wish into reality. With a proper plan and outline you will be able to stay on task, stay organized and take your court reporting career to the next level.