On December 11, 2018, I posted a blog entitled, “A SMART Life” in which I used five steps to reach my goal. SMART is an acronym for specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-based. My goal in 2018 read: “With Jesus’s help, my lifestyle (my words and deeds) will please God all the days of my life on earth and I will live with Him in heaven forever.” I received no comments on this blog! I do not know if the topic was not relevant or if no one wanted to share their goals at the time.
However, since sharing my dream with you in the last blog (January 27, 2020), I realized (again) that a dream does not become a reality without a plan. So, I am going to plan my work and work my plan. I am going to utilize the SMART plan to write my book. In the past, I have let life’s circumstances delay me from writing this book, but no more!
I am sharing my SMART steps with you because I want you to hold me accountable. I will periodically let you know how I am doing. My SMART steps this year are:
S (specific): I will write a life application manuscript for the book of James.
M (measurable): I will research for a minimum of an hour a day and write a minimum of 500 words a day, five days a week.
A (attainable): I will inform family, friends, etc. that I am not available before noon on week- days and I will go to the O’Fallon Public library where the atmosphere is conducive to intense study.
R (realistic): Realizing there will be weekdays when I must attend meetings, doctor’s appointments, etc. I will use Saturdays for make-up days when necessary.
T (time-based): Manuscript will be completed, edited, and ready to present to publishers by July 26, 2020.
I believe I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I also request your prayers. Family, friends, and church, I desire your support. Please understand that I am not available until the afternoon. With your cooperation, my determination, and Christ’s strength, I will do this!
Subscriber, how do you plan to reach your dream? If you have no plan, you probably won’t get there. I am not asking you to share your specific steps with us, but I am interested to know if you have taken the time to think things through. Shout out if you have a SMART plan or if you plan to formulate one. #Join the conversation.
Dr. Haire, this SMART technique is an awesome plan to move forward successfully. It lays the ground work on what steps to take without becoming overwhelmed. Thank You for sharing.
It is not my plan but it sure works for those who work it.
Great blog
Thank you.
I love this SMART plan to help really focus on what needs to be done for the new year, the new decade. I will be sitting down and making a good plan to see what goals I will be accomplishing this year.
Thank you for sharing this again.
I’m sorry for not commenting on it in the past. Again, when I let things get in the way, I can lose my way.
I will keep in touch.
Tammika, I understand letting things get in the way. I am rooting for you as you plan your work and work your plan. You can do it!
Wow! That gave me the incentive I need. I will start on my book and create the SMART goals to get there.
Thank you!
Welcome. I am looking forward to reading your book. I know it will be inspiring.
Wow you have a lot to accomplish. I love your plan! Prayers to you for being so focused.
Thanks for your prayers, A Evans. I will keep you posted on my progress.
It is a very good idea to use SMART. This keeps you focus. You made me begin to think of a lost dream. Be encourage and you can do all things through Christ.
Helen, revive that dream and make it happen. You CAN do all things through Christ. Many blessings to you.
This “is” excellent and I will execute this in my own life!
Marilyn, you have done sooo much to help your family, church, and community already. I will be watching to see what else God will do through you as you execute your plan..
Confirmation is powerful. Just yesterday I met with a financial advisor to plan out my next 10 years realizing it’s time to focus on me. Then at my doctor’s appt, a doctor that I had never seen before told me to pick a time where no one needs me including work and utilize that time to focus on working out. I will definitely use this SMART plan to obtain these goals that I allowed Life to get me off track. Thank you Dr. Haire for sharing this attainable plan.
You are welcome, Angel Childs. This is my baby girl, y’all. I love you very much, Angel, and I will be praying that you not only meet, but exceed your goals.
You can do it my friend. You’ve had this book and more in you for several years, but always putting or letting people and things deter you. Now is the time to put you and your vision first. God is counting on you to be a blessing to the universal body of Christ. Don’t let him or us down! Praying for you Sis🙏🏽❤️
Deb, thank you for your encouragement. I appreciate it and you.
Excellent article
Thank you. My goal is to inspire while Bridging the Bible and real life. Thank you for being a subscriber.
Hi Dr. Haire,
This year I endeavor to read your blogs and eventually make comments. I read your 1st blog and it was an inspirational blessing to me and I tried comment but there were so many interruptions, then I forgot, smh. Catching up, a dream that God has placed in my heart was writing plays to spread the gospel. I’ve written 2 that I liked but haven’t really done anything with them but I would like to edit them and ask various churches if they would like to use them in their ministries. But of course procrastination and doubts get in the way. I’m believing God is giving me a push because these blogs are reminding me that God has a purpose for everyone. Smart plan in 2020, prayfully will be a beginning for me.
The God who gave you the ideas for the plays can open doors you know nothing about. Write your next step down. Maybe make a vision board. You can do it!
Rev. Haire, I was introduced to SMART during my “teaching life”. Little did I know that I was using it most of the time when I set goals for myself. It does keep you focused and on track.
I am praying and know that God will continue to lead and direct you in this endeavor. He has placed this book on your heart, and we know He will see you through. He is dream Maker who brings things to reality.
Blessings, my friend.
Thank you for your prayers. Blessings to you also.
Dr. Haire, this blog has inspired me to put a solid plan in place using the SMART plan. God spoke clearly to me to begin a ministry to the Singles 4 years ago. Driving to work one morning, I had to pull over, stop and write the ministry name SSIR (Strengthening Singles Interpersonal Relationship.) I was excited. I was very diligent in doing S-Specific. Thank you for providing me SMART. I will take time to think everything through. I too will need to have an accountability partner. I will plan my work and work my plan. I am praying for you. Thank you again. I will share this blog with my family. Miracles, Blessings and Favor.
Vivian, your singles ministry sounds exciting! Miracles, blessings, and favor back to you.
Dr. Haire. This is food for thought. Sometimes life issues can distract us from the plans God has given. Therefore one can get lost on the pathway. Thanks for the reminder. Can’t wait to read that book you’re writing. God bless!!
Katherine, life’s issues have distracted me for years. I am trying my very best to stay focused now. The book is on its way. I am in the research stage now.
Yes Dorothy, you do have plenty time on task.So proud of you.
Thanks for your support, Deb Smith. I appreciate it.
Dr. Haire. This SMART Theory is great. I really love the part of this article that says that you are going to concentrate hard and focus, totally, on your assignments and get back to outside commitments later. Sometimes, you have to do that VERY thing.
I am so glad you found this blog useful .
Dr. Haire, SMART goals/plans are vital in accomplishing dreams. This is why one has to plan their work and work their plan as you stated. I have found that so many people failed to be realistic in their plan and as a result, discourage could set in. However, a realistic goal is the key to a good plan as well as making dreams come true.
You are so right, Lady Kenney. Thank you for joining the conversation.
I love the idea of using SMART goals for life. I am currently working on the R-being realistic. Thanks Dorothy. I do not remember reading about this in 2018. Actually, December and during the season of lent, I’m not online very much.
Stephanie, I am so glad you find the SMART steps useful. Abundant success to you!
Thank you sooo much for your blog and much appreciation for your SMART program. I too have a God given book(s) in me submerged under layers of discouragement and procrastination. I’ve gone as far as speaking with two publishers. However illness, work and an overall lack of support has netted me zero results. Thanks be unto God for Vivian Burroughs in mentoring me and introducing me to “Preacher Women”. Through my exposure to these anointed vessels I have found a renewed sense of Gods Greatness and the boundless possibilities in service to him. I find that it will be most advantageous for me to follow the steps that you mapped out in using SMART for future endeavors. Blessings and Miracles. Barbara Williams
ABUNDANT Blessings and Miracles to you, Barbara Williams!
Thank you soooo much for this. This is so helpful. I was just sharing with God this morning that I am so frustrated for allowing distractions to take me away from completing my book. I’ve been writing it for a few years now. I have 4 chapters left out of 10. I have to have a plan in place or I will always be on this treadmill. I must get off and start walking a real path that will lead me to my destination.
Deborah, you can do it! Your book will be a blessing to many.
Thank you!
I am well aware of the SMART plan. However, I have not put a concerted effort to date into developing a plan to strategically reach a specific goal. My goals for my family (children and marriage) are being met. Personal goals are sporadic and been put on back burner until children have met, or will meet, their personal milestones. Your blog is thought provoking and challenges me to reconsider prioritizing “me” in the process. Thank you Dr. Haire!
Patricia, thank you for joining the conversation. I realize it is hard to put “me” in the day with children and a husband. Think of it this way, the less you do for yourself, the less QUALITY care you have for them. I am still learning this truth myself. Blessings to you.