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You may have heard that a goal without a plan is only a wish or a dream. Are you wondering what you need to do after setting SMART goals? How do you make your goals into reality? You need a plan. In this blog, I will teach you how to develop a SAFE plan to reach your SMART goals.

I believe this formula works:

 SMART Goals + SAFE Plan = Your Success

You may want to read my blog on how to set really SMART goals.
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WHAT IS THIS SAFE PLAN?

I created this acronym based on my counseling work experience and I want to share it with you. The acronym SAFE stands for:

  • Short-term objectives
  • Action steps
  • Faith building practices
  • Evaluation of progress

Let’s walk through this SAFE plan. Short-term objectives are smaller goals that lead towards your big SMART goal. Metaphorically, your SMART goal is the destination, the short-term objectives are the stops along the way. For example, if your SMART goal is to start a home-based business within 6 months, you will need several short-term objectives. For instance, you will need to accomplish the following.

  • Develop a business plan
  • Determine your product or services
  • Determine your audience
  • Have all legal paperwork filed and approved
  • Set up a marketing plan
  • Set up a schedule to launch

These are all objectives that will ultimately help you reach the SMART goal. To complete each objective, you will need action steps. Usually, objectives may require many action steps.

ACTION STEPS

As above mentioned, each objective requires specific actions or behaviors. For example, the short-term objective “Have all legal paperwork filed and approved” will require several action steps such as register your business with the city/county, pay the required fees, get the required inspections and approvals filed and completed to name a few.

Additionally, it is important to set specific dates to accomplish each step. As you remember, SMART goals are time-bound.

Below is the SAFE plan in the context of SMART goals.

SMART Goal (My big goal – A long-term goal)

    Short-Term Objectives (My required stops or mini goals on the journey toward the big goal)

   Action Steps (what I need to do to move towards my goal)

  Faith-building practices (Faith helps me keep moving despite challenges or setbacks)

  Evaluation (I need to assess my progress and how I am doing as I move towards the goal)

FAITH-BUILDING practices

As you take each step towards the goal you will face challenges. Therefore, developing an awareness of potential challenges isessential. There will be also unexpected challenges such as accidents, natural disasters, losses to name a few. However, they do not have to deter you.  

You probably have heard the motivational phase “believe in yourself.” You may also have heard about the importance of having self-confidence to reach your goals. In the fields of psychology and counseling, we talk about the concept of self-efficacy. This concept was developed by Psychologist Albert Bandura and refers to a person’s belief that he or she has the ability or capacity to succeed or complete the required task. Self-efficacy boosts self-confidence. Having a positive attitude or thinking positively about your goals and the challenges are certainly helpful. And yes, I believe that we need to develop self-efficacy and self-confidence. However, they are limited.  When challenges and circumstances beyond your control happen, I believe that faith building practices such as reading the Bible and prayer provide strength and help with perseverance. In other words, faith helps move forward.

I believe that God can do above and beyond our expectations (Ephesians 3:20) But, our part is not only to believe and trust in Him, but also to take each action step. So, make sure that you develop specific action steps.

EVALUATE your progress

Evaluation or assessment is an essential part of the process of reaching your goal. Evaluation allows you to know how fast or how slow you are moving. It helps you determine whether you are moving in the right direction. It also helps you see how much traction you are gaining.

Counselors keep track of how clients are making progress or having setbacks. That’s evaluation. Unfortunately, a lot of people neglect this very important step.

Evaluation includes getting feedback from other people. These may include clients, customers, or family and friends. The people who know you and your SMART goals are the best people who provide you with some valuable feedback.

In the evaluation process, you may uncover some issues that may be undermining your progress such as procrastination, lack of motivation, lack of resources, or conflict. Once these issues are identified, they will need to be addressed quickly. Ignoring them will slow you down and may even prevent you from reaching your SMART goal.

Once you review the feedback received, you can make the appropriate adjustments to your plan. Moving towards a goal requires a lot of work. But, when you reach your goals, take time to celebrate and rejoice with those who assisted you along the way.

In conclusion, here is my word of motivation to you:

“May he [God] grant your heart’s desires
    and make all your plans succeed.” Psalm 20:4 (NLT)

Share in the comments which part of the SAFE plan will be most helpful to you.

Watch my video on the SAFE plan

Keep on growing!

Dr. Moitinho