SEW …. how did you do in the last part of April, taking Small Steps? Did you try it? Did it make any difference?
I did it with mask making. One day I cut a bunch of masks, the next the first seam went in … and I broke it down into several steps … and a bit got done each day. It wasn’t exactly working on my UFOs … but at least they are getting done – a few at a time!
You can read more about taking small steps every day HERE.
Today: SMART
I want to talk about SMART goals … I had forgotten all about this … I used to teach it to students writing nursing care plans (you nurses … do you remember those?) Anyhow … SMART stands for
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Realistic
- Time oriented
Sew … how does this work for UFOs?
- Specific – I will work on UFO #4
- Measurable – I will work on completing all of block A
- Achievable – I know how to make block A and have the fabric I need
- Realistic – It is a reasonable goal
- Time oriented – I will complete one Block A each day
How will this work for me in the coming month?
- Specific: I will work on Florabunda
- Measurable: The blocks are done … I have enough for at least 2 quilts … I will finish one quilt
- Achievable: The blocks are done -I need to decide which blocks for which quilt and lay them out on my design wall
- Realistic: Making one quilt is realistic
- Time oriented – I will complete one Florabunda quilt in May. (Bonus if I complete 2!)
If you need a review … here are the other topics that have been discussed to help with UFOs.
1. Analysis 
HERE.
2. Track your Progress 
PHD-Tally-with-formulas 2020
3. Assistance from other Blogs HERE
4. Focus :
You can read about it HERE.
5. Be Selective 
You can read about it HERE.
6. STOP Being a PERFECTIONIST!
Read about why you should stop being a perfectionist HERE.
7. Celebrate Success! 
HERE.
My Tally
I have 9 UFOs completed … only 3 more to go!
Linky Party
Link your PHD in 2020 progress with a blog post, Instagram or Pinterest page. Make sure you visit each other to offer encouragement and see what their SMART goals are!
One who sleeps under a quilt is covered by LOVE!
Happy Quilting!
Gail
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Quilting Gail 
HI Gail – I am making slow progress on my PHD items but at least it is progress! I learnt the SMART acronym a few years ago and have found it be very very wise! Recently I came across it with an extra component turning it into iSMART – and the ‘i’ was for Inspiring – and the explanation – Think about what would make you fizz if you could do it. In our situation, perhaps, choose a project that inspires, excites, or you have an extra motivation to finish – someone’s birthday/etc coming up. I guess that can be difficult – as in why did these projects lie untouched for years – but feeling the love for them all over again will inspire us to finish them! (Haha pretty deep for 6.27 am on as Saturday morning!!)
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Oh yes, and well done on your finishes this year – you have been very busy!
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Thanks, Raewyn!
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Hi Raewyn!
I like the “i” in iSMART!
You’re right – there sometimes needs to be something inspiring to motivate us to finish!
Happy Quilting! 🙂
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We use smart goals at work, but for some reason I’ve always had a harder time applying them to the sewing room. It has helped making to do lists each week and focusing on getting those items checked off. Congrats on all the progress on your PHD this year. You’ve kept up with all the new projects and completed a lot of the older ones. You have really good focus and discipline!
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Thanks, Kathy!
I know that a lot of the principles of SMART can roll over on each other … is it Reasonable? well, that might depend on the Time frame Achievable? also might depend on Time … and so on …
Happy Quilting! 🙂
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