Believe it or not, there is a right and wrong way to set a goal.
When learning a skill as complicated as learning to paint, one can easily set goals that are too difficult to achieve. However, if you use the SMART system, you’ll find your goals well within reach and ready to conquer.
SMART is an acronym that you can use to guide your goal setting to make sure your goals are clear and reachable. It stands for:
- Specific (simple, sensible, significant).
- Measurable (meaningful, motivating).
- Achievable (agreed, attainable).
- Relevant ( reasonable, realistic and resourced, results-based).
- Time-bound (time-based, time-limited, time/cost limited, timely, time-sensitive).
Let’s break each one down…
S.M.A.R.T.
| SPECIFIC |
MEASURABLE |
ACHIEVABLE |
RELEVANT |
TIME |
| Your goal should be clear and specific. When writing your goal, try to answer these questions: What do I want to accomplish? Why is this goal important? Imagine that you have the goal of mastering the alla prima painted look. A specific goal could be, “I want to gain the skills and experience necessary to leave bare canvas in my work that visually supports my subject(s).” |
Without a measuring stick, there’s no way to track your progress and stay motivated. Measurable progress helps you to stay focused on achieving your goal! How will I know when it is accomplished? Using the previous example, you might set a goal to have the reviewer not mention revising the bare canvas in your painting. Of course, you may not start there, but being able to see major changes requested dwindling to minor, and then to none is a great way to know you’re on the right track. |
Your goal needs to be realistic and attainable. It should stretch your abilities but not be so challenging it makes you want to cry. An achievable goal will usually answer questions such as: How can I accomplish this goal? How realistic is the goal, based on my current skill level? Again, using our example of painting in the alla prima style, if you’re a Budding Artisan, it is unreasonable to set the goal of painting an alla prima portrait in 6 months. However, if you’re nearing the end of the Apprentice Stage, this is a worthy goal to set. |
Make sure that your goal matters to you. A relevant goal can answer “yes” to these questions: Does this seem worthwhile? Is this the right time? Does this elevate my artistic style attracting more potential clients? If alla prima doesn’t appeal to you, another style would be a better choice for you. It’s time to hit Pinterest and Google Art Project to see what kinds of paintings most appeal to you! |
Every goal needs a target date so that you have a deadline to focus on and something to work toward. This part of the SMART goal criteria helps to prevent everyday tasks from taking priority over your longer-term goals. Make sure the time allowed is neither too little or too much. That said, don’t be afraid to add an extension if life throws you a curve ball. |
BONUS
To help you overcome the curveballs that life likes to throw and to maintain laser-like focus on your goals, here’s the best advice I’ve ever heard:
Connect your goal to a “why.”
Goals become easier when they’re connected to a reason and purpose. You can do that by completing this sentence:
“ I want to ____ so that I can ____.”
For example: “I want to become a highly skilled painter so that I can build a profitable business, which will allow me to spend more time doing things I love.”
The “why” is having the time and resources to
do things you love.
Do you have a goal you’d like to achieve? Write it down and make it happen!
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