The PIER Formula

There are two methods I have learnt over the years. The first formula is called the PIER formula which came from an idea I learnt back in 1981 & 1982 while I was a sabbatical mission for my Church. The second formula is called SMART which I learnt later in life. I have always been a believer in personal achievement; however I had no idea how to do it. The first formula stands for:

P – Planning – In order to achieve a goal it is imperative to write the goal down. I once heard a quote:
‘A goal not written is only a wish’. So if we do not plan what goal we want to achieve, we need to start
Doing some soul searching, for example: What talents do I have, what are some special gifts I have?
What are my strengths, what are my passions, am I a good communicator, do I have any sports
Talent, am I a practical person? Do I like building things?
As part of the Planning process a timely factor needs to be written down as well for example is my goal
going to take 1 month, 6 months, 1 year or 5 years.

I – Implement – Now that I have prepared the plan, the next step is to implement the Plan. This is the
Practical side of working the Plan. In other words making it happen.

E- Evaluate – After implementing the plan over a set period of time, evaluating the progression will help
In seeing where we are towards reaching our goal.

R- Revise – Is the final solution of the formula where we can make adjustments to our plan, to speed up
Up the process, slow down the process, or maintain cruising speed.

The SMART Formula

S – Be specific when writing down goals. Do not write a goal which is too general. For example I want to
Buy a house or I want to buy a car. Write I want to buy a 4 bedroom Lockwood home worth $200,000
By the 1st December 2006 with a white exterior paint colour overlooking Malibu beach.

M- Measuring our performance over a period of time gives us the motivation to continue in our direction.

A- Is my goal achievable? Do I have the capabilities, knowledge, stamina, money to make this goal happen, Or does the goal just sound good.

R- Stands for Realistic. Can I run the 100 metres in 10 seconds flat even though my time has never been? Pass 12 seconds in 5 years. Or Can I make a million dollars in 5 years on a $30,000 salary?

T- Time span is the final solution to this formula. Do I want this goal achieved in 1 month, 2 years, or 5 years.