When advocating, people often set broad goals for themselves. It’s good to have big aspirations, but breaking things down into practical steps can help you feel more focused and avoid getting overwhelmed.
A common approach is setting SMART goals. SMART stands for:
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Specific: The goal is clear with no room for confusion.
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Measurable: The goal is something you can quantify, and progress can be easily tracked.
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Attainable: The goal is realistic and something that you can achieve.
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Relevant: The goal makes sense based on who you are and the overall change that you’re trying to make.
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Time-bound: The goal has a start and end date.
Here are some examples of SMART goals in action:
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Specific:
- Weaker goal: Movie theatres will become more accessible.
- Better goal: My local movie theatre will offer closed captioning to make the movie-viewing experience more accessible.
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Measurable:
- Weaker goal: My manager will take me more seriously.
- Better goal: My manager will meet with me weekly to discuss my work and answer my questions.
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Attainable:
- Weaker goal: I will end world hunger.
- Better goal: My neighbourhood will have more access to nutritious and affordable food options over the next five years.
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Relevant:
- Weaker goal: My family doctor will help me with my application for the Disability Tax Credit after learning about it on my podcast.
- Better goal: My family doctor will help me with my application for the Disability Tax Credit after having a discussion at my next appointment.
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Time-bound:
- Weaker goal: My landlord will install a ramp to my apartment.
- Better goal: My landlord will install a ramp to my apartment in the next two weeks.
