Both best practice and science show that to succeed in your goals, it is imperative to write them as SMART goals. A SMART Goal is a framework to ensure your goals move from vague musings to high-probability aims.
Let’s look at what the specific letter in the SMART acronym implies.
SMART
Specific – What is your smallest, specific first step? A vague goal will result in vague action – or, more likely, inaction – so details matter.
Measurable – How will you measure it to know you’ve succeeded?
Achievable – Is your aim possible to achieve at all?
Reasonable – How reasonable is it for you, at this time, given your current reality? Consider time, money, motivation, energy, and other commitments.
Time-Bound – By what date do you want to accomplish this goal? When will you do this action item during the week?
Examples of goals written vaguely v SMART:
Save money < Save $500/month by December
Lose weight < Lose 5 lbs by November
Get fit < Go to the gym 3x/wk for 45 minutes
Do my best < Make the Dean’s List both semesters
Examples of career-related goals written vaguely v SMART:
Learn new skill < Take Advanced Excel Skills on SkillsSoft in September
Read more books relevant to my field < Read Mindset by Carole Dweck, 7 Habits for Highly Effective Individuals by Steven Covey, and Think Again by Adam Grant by December
Earn a new certificate < Complete Email Specialist Salesforce Course by October
Improve communication skills < Send weekly Friday email to my boss summarizing my completed projects this week and one thing I’ll focus on next week
Take on more leadership responsibilities < Apply to lead an Employee Resource Group by the end of the year
Learn how to manage stress < Choose three reframes for my top three stressors
Build my network < In-person coffee with one new person a month
Get better at time management < Choose a “Top Three” every morning
Work more on Work Life Flow < Create and implement a 5 pm routine to close out the workday
Get a raise < Document my performance metrics for the next three months
However, even writing SMART Goals, CareerTruth advocates for ensuring that your goals tie into your values, purpose, and vision. Taking time to assess your new goals compared to the personal work you’ve done in CareerTruth will help you discern whether these new goals align with where you want to go.
For every goal written, do a gut check and ask yourself:
- How will completing this goal ultimately help others?
- How will completing this goal help me operate at a higher level?
- How will completing this goal help contribute to my purpose?
- How will completing this goal help me live out my legacy?
SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, reasonable, and time-bound. SMART goals help to convert blurry hopes into high-probability action plans. By breaking down your goals into smaller, specific steps, you are more likely to take action toward achieving them. Ensuring your goals align with your values, purpose, and vision is also essential. To do this, ask yourself how your goals can help others, contribute to your purpose, operate at a higher level, and live out your legacy. Setting SMART goals and aligning them with your values can increase the likelihood of achieving them.