DEFINING YOUR GOAL
SMART is a well-known acronym for setting
objectives. Be Specific about what you are trying
to do. Say, for example, you are studying German;
your goal might be learning a total of 2,000
words. This a very specific goal. Measure your
performance as you go along: group the words
and test yourself often. Make sure your goal is
always Achievable, and alter it if it turns out to
be too easy or too difficult: there is no point in
setting yourself up to fail. Your goal must also be
Relevant: increasing your vocabulary will improve
your use of the language. Finally, set a Time by
which you will have learned your 2,000 words.
24
Developing Your Memory Potential
Devising an Action Plan
S
etting goals not only motivates you into
action, it also focuses your mind, and
maximizes your energy to achieve the level
of performance you set yourself. In addition,
goal-setting minimizes time wastage, and
prevents inconsistency of results.
TIMETABLING YOUR GOALS
Goals can be small or big, short-term or long-
term. Break bigger goals down into mini-goals.
For example, if your overall goal is learning
2,000 German words in five months, you could
break it down by setting a goal of 400 words a
month, 100 words a week, and 14 words a day.
Your target might be to learn those 14 words
and review the previous ones in an hour. This is
a relevant and achievable goal, set within a time-
restricted framework. Keep a log of how you are
achieving your goals, and recalibrate if need be.
Focuses the
mind by
setting an
end time
Setting the target
Clear parameters act as a spur to
achieving objectives. Fix a time—or set
an alarm—for completing each goal.
Write your goals on a
whiteboard in the spare
bedroom or garage, as
well as in your planner.
Stick pictures of your
holiday destination by your
written goals as an incentive
to learn the language.
Practice setting goals with
others, so you can help
each other achieve them.
Useful Exercises
25
GETTING STARTED
Memory-training techniques,
no matter how potentially
successful, are of no use at
all unless you put them into
action. An action plan is a
dedicated way to help you get
the most out of the training
techniques. It will stop you
from procrastinating. Because
you can see clearly the actions
that you need to take, you will
be more likely to do them. You
will enjoy the many benefits
that improved learning brings.
Your mind will be focused
on developing and improving
yourself. And the pleasure of
making big strides forward
will benefit your whole life.
Devising an Action Plan
Key
Goal
Specific
Be specific about the type
of goal you are setting.
Measurable
Choose a goal that you
can measure.
Achievable
Alter your goal if necessary
so it remains achievable.
Relevant
Make sure your goal is something
you can identify with.
Time
Set a fixed period of time within
which to complete your goal.
The SMART Formula
Separate, short-term
goals make up bigger
long-term goal
Start time and finish
time for each task
clearly defined
Specific goal,
limited in scope,
set for each day
Goal of improving
memory broken down
into mini-goals
Monday 7 pm–8 pm Learn how brain and
April 7 memory works
Saturday 3 pm–4 pm Read up on memory-
April 12 training techniques
Wednesday 8 pm–9 pm Choose one technique
April 16 and try it out
Writing out an action plan
Write your goals down, with times, and
review them daily. This pushes the brain
subconsciously to make them a reality.
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