S.M.A.R.T. Goals  

Using a proven goal setting method makes it easier for you to accomplish the things you want to accomplish. And, a very effective method for setting and using goals is the SMART goals process. If you have used a SMART goals method before, you will find that this is a different approach than you used before. I have a slightly different approach to SMART goals method that comes from many years of experience teaching it to students, trainees, and coaching clients. I modified the approach in a way that makes it more effective. 

Goal setting isn’t difficult but if it’s something new for you then I suggest reading a book or two to learn more about how they work. If you want to learn more, I have a link on the bottom of this page showing books you can get from Amazon.com. Of course, you could just go ahead and use this method now, it’s not difficult, just follow these SMART goals steps.  

To use the SMART goals method you select a goal then describe it in detail going through each of the steps listed below. The more specific and detailed you are describing your goal, the more effective this method becomes. Once you create your SMART goal, you review it daily and begin taking action to make it happen. 

SMART is an acronym for:

Specific 

A goal needs to be specific which means that it’s described in very clear terms. For example, if you want a new car, you wouldn’t simply say you want a new car. You would describe the exact car you want; the make, model, year, color, engine type, interior color, features, and so on. The idea is to describe it in a way that creates a very clear mental image. 

Measurable 

There should be some way to measure the quantity or quality of your goal. For example, if you want to make more money you need to describe exactly how much you mean. If you have a measure like this you will know when you’ve achieved your goal. Having specific and measurable milestones also makes it easier to track your progress which helps you stay motivated. 

Actionable 

This step is very important. I’ve seen many people not succeed at goal setting because they only have platitudes or good intentions. To make a goal happen, you need to have specific, actionable steps you actually must do to keep moving forward. For example, if your goal is to be more successful at sales, you only have a wish because being “more successful at sales” is too vague and you cannot act directly by being “more successful.” A better way to use this step is to describe specific actions that will make you more successful at selling. For example, your actionable steps might be something like: make 10 calls to potential buyers every day, schedule a minimum of 5 appointments every day, attend at least one networking event every week, as so on. You can see how specific actions like these will move you towards your goal while having a vague intention will not. 

Realistic 

This is a tricky one because the goal should be realistic because it needs to be something you can actually do but we are often capable of accomplishing far more than we give ourselves credit for. So, we should “reach for the stars” and extend ourselves but not create a goal that we simply don’t have the means to accomplish. Some good examples of people with unrealistic goals are contestants in the early trials for talent shows like American Idol who clearly don’t have the talent to sing. So, be all you can be but be able to recognize the goals you shouldn’t waste your time pursuing. 

Time-dated 

This step is very important but often neglected. A SMART goal being “time-dated” means that it has a specific completion date. Yes, an actual date, not a description like “in two years.” It might seem trivial to concern yourself with a specific date but this is important because it has a psychological impact that makes us act. For example, if your boss asks you to do something you might say “ok” and then put it aside for the time being while you work on something else. But, if your boss says that they need you to do it NOW, before you leave for the day, this task suddenly becomes important and you get to work on it immediately.  

I’ve met countless people who tell me they’ve had a goal to complete something for time frames as long as 40 years but never got to complete it. When and if they ever did get around to doing it, it was because they finally set a date for it to be completed. 

Yes, Goal Setting is important and if you use the SMART goals process I think you will find yourself more productive and notice that you are achieving more of the important things you want to have in your life.