Why Is SMART Goal-Setting So Effective?
The acronym SMART is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. You can use the SMART process whether you have one big goal or many smaller ones. This proven process can help anyone achieve their goals.
If you’ve ever set a New Year’s resolution about losing weight or going to the gym more often and not be able to follow through on it, that’s probably because you didn’t have a SMART goal-setting process in place. Read on to learn why this method of goal-setting is so effective and how it can help you meet your future goals.
SMART Goals are Specific
Specific goals are much more effective than vague aspirations, like “lose weight” or “improve my fitness.” Otherwise, how will you know when you’ve achieved what you set out to do? You’ll have no way to track your progress, and you’ll be at risk of giving up if you hit a rough patch.
Imagine that you have a goal of running a marathon. Specifically, you could set a goal like “I want to run a marathon in under four hours” or “I want to run a marathon in under three hours.” This way, you clearly know what you’re working toward.
You can set benchmarks along the way, like “I want to run five miles during Week 1 of training” or “I want to run 10 miles in Week 2.” Also, set a date to run the marathon, which will help you stay focused and on track with your training.
SMART Goals are Measurable
If you don’t have a way to measure your progress, it’s easy to lose steam and stop caring about a goal. For example, if one of your goals is to read a marketing book every two weeks, how will you track your progress? When you don’t have a way to measure your progress, you won’t be able to tell if you’re on track to meet your goal.
You can measure your progress in many ways, depending on the goal. Choose to set metrics related to your productivity, revenue, revenue growth, or happiness. Track metrics that best reflect your plan regularly so you can see your progress.
SMART Goals are Achievable
An achievable goal is within your reach. For example, if your goal is to become a millionaire, that’s not very likely. However, if your goal is to earn $10,000 more than last year, that’s more achievable and can help lead you to bigger things.
Even if you have a clear vision and know exactly what you want to achieve, you’ll only set yourself up for disappointment if it isn't achievable. Consider your workload, energy level, and other factors to ensure your goals are attainable.
SMART Goals are Relevant
A relevant goal is connected to your values and helps you move toward your vision. For example, one of your goals is to increase your monthly revenue. Another goal is to spend more time with your family.
While these goals are related, they’re irrelevant because they don’t help you reach your bigger vision of what you want to achieve. To ensure your goals are appropriate, ask yourself, “How will achieving this goal help me move toward my vision?” If there’s no connection between the two, that goal may not be as relevant as you think.
SMART Goals have Deadlines
A time-bound goal has a specific end date. For example, if one of your goals is to write a book in 6 months, that’s a time-bound goal. However, if your goal is to “write a book,” it’s not time-bound because it doesn’t have an end date. You will make your goals more effective by adding a deadline.
Best wishes
CalendarMind Team
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