SMART Goals: Not Just for Smarty Pants
Yes, I know, the dreaded "G" word: GOALS. I was once like you too, but I’ve learned the magic of goal setting, and I’m here to convert you. Fear not, fellow goal-setting skeptics; I’ll make this journey as painless and even enjoyable as possible.
Let’s get to it!
SMART GOALS are a specific type of goal-setting framework that encourages clarity, trackability, and achievability in personal or professional objectives.
S - SPECIFIC - well-defined and clear
M - MEASURABLE - has criteria for tracking progress and determining when the goal has been met
A - ACHIEVABLE - is realistic and within one’s abilities / resources
R - RELEVANT - aligns with broader objectives and has importance in the larger context
T - TIME-BOUND - has a clear deadline or timeframe. This creates a sense of urgency and helps prevent your goal from getting stuck on the back burner
Overall, SMART goals are designed to provide a clear path toward success, reducing ambiguity and promoting focus and motivation. Creating SMART goals can be facilitated by answering specific prompts related to each aspect of the acronym like:
SPECIFIC
What exactly do you want to achieve?
Who is involved in this goal?
What steps or actions are required to reach this goal?
MEASURABLE
How will you know when you have achieved this goal?
What are the quantitative or qualitative markers of success?
What evidence will indicate that you've met your goal?
ACHIEVABLE
Is this something I can do with my current skills and resources?
If not, where are the gaps?
Can the gaps be easily addressed?
RELEVANT
Why is this goal important to you or to your larger objectives?
How does this goal align with your other goals or values?
What impact will achieving this goal have on your life or work?
TIME-BOUND
When do you plan to achieve this goal?
What is your timeline or deadline for achieving this goal?
Are there smaller milestones within this timeframe that can help you track your progress?
Remember…the more specific and realistic you are when setting your goals, the more likely you are to achieve them.
ACTION PLAN
Creating an action plan involves breaking down your goals into manageable steps, identifying potential challenges, and determining how to track progress.
Here are some reflection prompts to guide someone through this process:
GOAL DEFINITION
What is the specific outcome you want to achieve?
How does this goal align with your other goals or values?
How will achieving this goal benefit you and/or others?
GOAL BREAKDOWN
What are the major steps needed to achieve this goal?
What resources or support will you need for each step?
How much time do you estimate each step will take?
POTENTIAL CHALLENGES
What obstacles might you encounter while working towards this goal?
How can you anticipate and plan for these challenges?
Who can support you when you face these challenges?
Progress Tracking & Accountability How will you measure progress towards your goal?
What are some milestones you can celebrate along the way?
How will you hold yourself accountable?
REGULAR REVIEW
How often will you review your progress?
What might be signs that you need to adjust your plan?
How much time do you estimate each step will take?
VISUALIZE IT
How can you visualize your action plan (e.g., flow chart, timeline)?
What visual reminders can help keep you motivated and focused?
Who can support you when you face these challenges?
Remember, an action plan is not set in stone; it's a living document that can and should be adjusted as you progress and circumstances change. Flexibility is key to successfully achieving your goals.
Setting a SMART goal is just the beginning - stay committed, adapt to challenges, and regularly review and adjust your plans as needed. With flexibility, determination, and the support of those around you, you can go forth and conquer your goals with confidence and unwavering focus.
If you like these prompts, get access to my workbook series.
