Have you ever felt like you’re putting all the work in but not getting anywhere? Maybe, as you reflect of the past few years, you see little improvement in your skills and abilities. Or perhaps you struggle to see how you could possibly achieve your ambitions in the future.
Many people spend their lives drifting from between jobs, rushing around trying to get so much done but actually accomplish very little. Setting out SMART goals can help you clarify your ideas, focus your attention and efforts, utilise your time more productively and ultimately increase your chances of achieving whatever it is you want from this life.
In this post we will explore SMART goals, explain them, and look at how we can utilize them to achieve our goals.
What the hell are SMART goals?
The SMART in SMART goals in an acronym that can be used to guide goal setting. To make sure our goals are clear and attainable, each one should be:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time–based
Some authors have highlighted the importance of continually developing psychology models, so it has been suggested that the new acronym should be SMARTER.
- Evaluated
- Reviewed
However, for this post we will just focus on the SMART acronym.
How can you use SMART?
Specific.
Your goal should be as clear as possible and very specific. If it isn’t, you won’t be able to focus your efforts and attention and feel motivated to achieve it. When you are establishing your goals, you should answer the 5 ‘W’ questions:
- WHAT is it that I want to accomplish?
- WHY is this goal important to me?
- WHO is involved in the goal?
- WHERE is the goal located?
- WHICH resources/limits could be involved?
Measurable.
It’s important to have goals that are measurable so that you can track your progress and continue to stay motivated. Assessing your progress can help you stay focused on your end goal, meet your deadlines and feel excitement as you getting close to achieving your goals.
A measurable goal should answer the following questions:
- How MUCH?
- How MANY?
- How will I know when it is Accomplished?
Achievable.
Your goals need to be realistic and achievable for them to be successful. It goes without saying, they should definitely stretch your abilities, but they should still remain possible. When you set an achievable goal, you might be able to identify previously missed opportunities than can bring you closer.
An achievable goal should be able to answer questions such as:
- How can I ACCOMPLISH this goal?
- How REALISTIC is the goal?
Relevant.
The relevant step is about making sure your goal matters to you, and that it aligns with your other goals. We all could use some help in achieving our goals, but it is important that you make sure you retain full control of yours. So, make sure your goal drives everyone forwards, but that you are still in control and responsibly for achieving your on goals.
A goal that is relevant can answer yes to these questions:
- Does this goal seem WORTHWHILE?
- Is this the RIGHT TIME?
- Am I the RIGHT PERSON to achieve this goal?
- Is it applicable in my current SOCIO-ECONOMIC environment?
Time-bound.
Every single on of your goals needs a target date or time, so that you have a deadline you can work towards and focus on. This part of the SMART criteria prevents pointless everyday tasks from taking over your long-term goals.
A time-bound goal should be able to answer:
- When?
- What can I do 6 MONTHS from now?
- What can I do TODAY?
So, what are the benefits and drawbacks of SMART goals?
SMART is an extremely effective framework that can provide the clarity and focus you need to achieve your goals. It can also help to improve your chances of achieving your goals by encouraging you to define your objectives and set a deadline. SMART goals are also super easy to use for everyone, anywhere, without any specialist training.
However, some interpretations of SMART have meant that it can potentially lose its effectiveness and be misinterpreted of misunderstood. Furthermore, some people believe that SMART fails to work effectively in the long run, as it is too strict and lacks flexibility. Others have suggested that it could in fact stifle creativity.
How can you apply SMART to your life?
Perhaps you have dreamed of playing a sport professionally, or starting your own business, or travelling the world. For some reason, whether it was because you told yourself you didn’t have what it takes, the time or the money, you decided not to pursue it.
In the future, try setting SMART(ER) goals to help make your journey specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. You might find that the real reason you didn’t go after or succeed in achieving your goals was because you have been too vague or unrealistic. Have a think about how you can adjust your goal and rephrase it as a SMART(ER) goal.
Read more personal development articles here!
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