How SMART are your goals?

The successful attainment of your goals depends greatly on how smartly you set them.

Amongst the dictionary definitions of smart are “intelligent”, “astute” and “acute”. Applying these to your goal setting can make all the difference to how effectively you work towards your goals and whether you reach them at all.

So, how can you set goals smartly?

What does SMART stand for?

The first step is to understand the meaning of the acronym SMART.

S = Specific

One of the chief obstacles to achieving a goal is setting one that is non-specific. For example, you may want to feel happy, healthy and wealthy, but these are broad topics rather than concrete goals and therefore harder to attain.

One method used in coaching is called TGROW. T stands for topic and G for goal. A coach may help you move from a broad topic, such as becoming happier, to finding the specific goals that will help you achieve that.

In defining goals for yourself, you could start by identifying one achievement that would make you happier, healthier or wealthier, or one for each, and work towards those individual, concrete goals.

M = Measurable

Here lies another reason for setting specific goals. You will want to know when you have reached your goal or destination, so it needs to be measurable.

For example, reaching a point where you are able to save £250 a month is easy to measure, as is walking two miles a day. Each goal should be quantifiable, so you know when you can put a tick against it.

A = Achievable

Don’t score an own goal with an unachievable target. Ensure that it fits with your resources, skills and timing, since setting goals that are beyond your reach can be demotivating.

If you don’t have the resources or skills, first determine how to access them, develop them or call on others who can help.

R = Realistic

How realistic is the goal?

This is different from achievable in that it is more about the process of attaining the goal. For example, do you have the time to pursue it now, given the demands of your career and personal life? Have you put time aside regularly to work on it?

It is often more effective to work in a regular and planned way on a goal than to attack it in huge chunks on irregular occasions.

“Go gently with great goals; take lots of sure-footed steps to get there instead of attempting one giant leap!”

Lucy Seifert

T = Timed

Slot in regular times in a planner to work towards your goals. Ensure the timing fits your work and personal life so it is easier to stick to the times you allocate for yourself.

SMART examples

Here are three examples of turning topics into SMART goals:

Topic: To change your diet.
Goal: To give up eating red meat by the end of the month.

Topic: To get rid of clutter.
Goal: To get rid of clutter in the spare bedroom within two weeks, so it can be used as a study.

Topic: To become more proficient with languages.
Goal: To find and join an intermediate Spanish class before term starts.

Of course, each topic may contain several goals. By defining each goal clearly and prioritising your list, you are more likely to realise them.

A SMART quiz

Here’s a short quiz to practise turning unclear topics into SMART goals. Can you reword these topics into goals?

1. To change career.
2. To get really fit.
3. To feel more socially confident.

Now, list three SMART goals of your own.

Then enter into your diary the dates you will achieve them, and the dates and times you will work on them.

Creating SMART goals helps you focus on what you want to achieve and provides a practical way to move forward. Ensuring that your goals contain the SMART elements can help you achieve positive change, both professionally and personally