S.M.A.R.T. Goals are the G.O.A.T
Hi. My name is Ashley, and I’m a planner and goal setter. (To the nth degree, I’m sure my family and friends would add. But I own it.)
Over the years, I’ve learned that planners like me tend to be (usually unfairly) tagged as incapable of spontaneity. Which is so not true. Case in point: Me, a parent of two very bright and extremely lively grade-schoolers. Trust me—if I ever wasn’t spontaneous, I am now.
However, I’ll admit that I do plan and goal-set because I enjoy it. You see, I love to be constantly working toward something. Whether that something is big or small doesn’t matter; to me, there’s just no feeling like knowing I’ve accomplished what I set out to do.
People often ask me how I document all my goals—Notebook? Laptop? White board?—so they can try the same method. I’m going to tell you the same thing I tell them: It’s different for everyone. Bullet journals, wall or desk calendars, white boards, online notebooks, phone apps, spreadsheets, even sticky notes…to be successful, it needs to be a process that fits your unique style.
However, the one thing I’m always ready to discuss is the framework I use to establish my goals. Enter the SMART method.
Why SMART Goals are so Smart
Here are a few acronyms to set the stage: SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Based (which you’ll sometimes see called Timebound). The reason I think the SMART framework is the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) is because it lets me set a number of smaller goals that lead me to my BUG (Big Ultimate Goal) without being overwhelming.
Each of the SMART elements works together to create a goal that’s clear, carefully planned, and easily trackable. Here’s a quick snapshot of how it happens:
S – Specific: When you set a goal, whether it’s your BUG or a smaller mini-goal, be specific and narrow it down so you can plan effectively.
M – Measurable: How will you know you’re making progress? How will you know when it’s time to re-evaluate your goals? Define that process.
A – Achievable: Aim for realistic goals that you can reasonably achieve within a certain timeframe.
R – Relevant: Make sure your goals are in line with your values and your long-term objectives.
T – Time-Based: Set a realistic target date. Don’t make it so aggressive that you stress out, but at the same time, don’t make it so easy on yourself that you lose focus.
A Real-World Example of SMART Goals at Work
Now that you know how SMART goals are structured, let’s take a look at how you can put them to work in a real-life situation.
“An example (I'll put something together on certification prep)” – I guess that will go here?
Building Your Own SMART Goals
If you’re ready to start building your own SMART goals, here are a few helpful tips, whether you’re working solo or with a group:
Write the goal down. A study by a psychology professor at Dominican University found that participants who regularly wrote down their goals were 42% more likely to achieve them.
Make sure everyone’s on the same page and understands not only what a SMART goal is, but what needs to be done to achieve them.
Create a schedule in your calendar—whatever kind you use—of dates when mini-goals and milestones will be reviewed, adjusted, and finalized. If you’re working with a team, consider giving them access to the calendar.
Set up regular check-ins for yourself—or for you and your team, if multiple people are working on the goals. This is the best way to tell if you or another team member is struggling or unable to meet goal dates.
Commemorate every success, whether you’ve met a mini-goal or a major milestone. The feeling of accomplishment will help propel you toward your next success.
When you’ve met your final goal, ask your team—or yourself—for feedback on what went right and most important, what could be improved. Then apply what you learned to your next set of SMART goals.
If you’d like more information on setting SMART goals, I encourage you to do some Googling on “How to build SMART goals.” You’ll find literally hundreds of resources. To start, here’s a wonderful and detailed article, 4 Tips for Setting Powerful Goals, from Success Magazine.
And some of the best resources you’ll find are available on the gold mine of video that is YouTube. Here are a few of my favorites:
Okay, so I have a bit of a thing for white board animations. But they’re all clear explanations of the SMART goal process—not to mention fun to watch. (I mean, WHITE BOARDS, folks!)
A SMART Wish for You
Let’s face it, life is somewhat crazy and out of control for all of us right now. If, like me, you’re someone who works better with a little organization, I think you’ll find SMART goals are the most user-friendly (and GOAT-iest) way to stay focused and maintain some control over your little corner of the world.
I’m going to leave you with one of my favorite quotes:
“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of “The Little Prince.”
My sincere wish for you is that you feel empowered enough to create your own SMART goal plan now—and that you experience the sense of accomplishment that lets you know you’re on track to achieve your goals and dreams
