How To Set SMART Goals

Goals. Goals. Goals. We all know we should set them, but how and where do we begin? The new year will be here before we know it. It is a time for resetting priorities, reevaluating business goals and coming up with a plan for forward progress in the next year.

So how do you know if the goals you are setting are helping you to make progress in the right direction? This is where SMART goals come in. Maybe you have heard of them before, maybe you haven’t. Either way, using this method to set your goals will be your first step in helping you formulate a plan of action to find success in achieving them.

What Are SMART Goals?

SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely. Working through this exercise for each of your goals will help you to make forward progress in the areas of your life or business that matter the most to you -- and in the smartest ways possible.

Here is what to evaluate for each area of your goal. Ask yourself:

Is this goal SPECIFIC?

Goals that are general in nature and non-specific are difficult to achieve. Asking yourself if your goal is specific, will help you gain clarity on your goal, bringing it into focus and making sure it is clear.

Is this goal MEASURABLE?

The biggest question to answer here is, “how will I know when this is accomplished?” Also determine if you need to set any other parameters around your goal that need to be measured, such as numbers to be reached.

Is this goal ACHIEVABLE?

Ask yourself if the goal you have set is achievable. Here we are considering how realistic the goal is in achieving it. Are there any resources that are lacking (such as time, talent, finances) that would prevent you from reaching the goal?

Is this goal RELEVANT?

One of the biggest questions to answer here is, “how applicable is this goal to the current state of affairs, not only where we are, but also where we would like to go?” Does this goal support the big picture?

Is this goal TIMELY?

Another “t” word sometimes used here is “time-bound”. Does this goal have a deadline where urgency is created in achieving it?

This is an exercise that you can do not only for any area of your life, yourself, and your business, but you can walk your team through doing this exercise also. Helping them to achieve their own career goals as well will help to strengthen the team and business.

Have you ever written out your SMART goals before? What did you find or learn in the process? Do you have any other methods for goal setting that you have found to be successful? I’d love to hear your thoughts and what has worked for you in the comments section below.