Are You Using S.M.A.R.T Goals?

Are You Using S.M.A.R.T Goals?

“A goal without a plan is just a wish” Antoine de Saint Exupéry

If you have ever attended a personal growth seminar, chances are you’ve heard this quote, and for good reason. But what does it mean? Why is this quote so powerful? It’s simple really. It means without actionable steps your goal is just a dream, or a wish. Wishful thinking is not known for its ability to produce tangible results. We need something more than a dream to reach our goals. We need to have a solid plan if we are going to get there. So, what’s the best way to put a plan in place to get there???????

Lucky for us there is an easy way to make sure we are setting ourselves up for success. All we need to do is remember the acronym S.M.A.R.T. Each word represented by the acronym does not have one definitive meaning. In fact, the words within the acronym have changed over time. These words continue to vary somewhat depending on the person using the term.

If you’re not familiar with SMART goals, here’s a quick explanation of what each letter means:

  • Specific?— Effective goals are ones with detail, not general statements. So, instead of setting a broad goal to lose weight, set a?specific?goal to lose 4 pounds each month. The former is a wish; the latter is a goal.
  • Measurable?— A SMART goal should be able to be measured, so there’s no debate over whether or not you completed it. Continuing with the example above, “Lose weight” cannot easily be measured to meet a long-term goal. But, you can track if you’ve actually lost 4 pounds in the month. Use this measure to stay on track toward your larger goal.?
  • Achievable?— Successful goals are achievable. Of course, your goals should always push you to challenge yourself. However, it’s unreasonable to set a goal of losing 30 pounds each month and expect it to be achievable. Instead, you’re better off breaking up that goal into something realistic that will add up over time.
  • Relevant?— A SMART goal is relevant. It should feed back into your overall purpose in life or an overarching long-term goal. Setting a goal to lose weight could very well be relevant to your overall health. Be sure you’re setting a goal that pushes you forward, and is important to you.
  • Time-Bound?— An effective goal must have a due date for you to measure success. Determine a time frame for the goal. How long will it take for you to reasonably achieve it? Then, set a goal deadline to hold yourself accountable. Remember, make the time frame realistic!

You can truly achieve your short-term and long-term goals. SMART goals can provide the inspiration you need to believe that. Stop wishing for a change. Use the SMART acronym and turn your wish into a reality!?

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Dominic Desmarais

??Challenging Senseless Traditions?? . ??Off-Key, Sometimes Funny Speaker?? . ??Learning Something New Every Day?? . ??Exploring | Developing | Building?? . ??LEAN | IPD | TVD | TPS | LPS?? . ??Hearing Music & Dancing??

2 年

I would invite you to read this original publication from 1981 depicting the intent behind the use of the S.M.A.R.T. Goals and objectives. Sure it’s has utility but S.M.A.R.T. was never intended to be an adjective describing a type of goals and the danger is for people to overlook important work that needs to happen despite that fact that it doesn’t meet the attributes of every letters. Goals can often be critically important and not fully SMART and the worst would be for people to not pursue a goal because they don’t think it’s SMART. DUMB goals can also be important. DUMB: Directly uplifting management’s business https://community.mis.temple.edu/mis0855002fall2015/files/2015/10/S.M.A.R.T-Way-Management-Review.pdf

Ben-Jamin Toy, HSG

Experiential Team Building: Keeping your remote, in-person, and hybrid workforces productive & engaged.

2 年

Goal setting is critical for success. Without knowing where you want to go, you'll never be able to get there. Once you know where you want to be, you can break down the steps it will take to get there. I recommend brainstorming and free writing the goals and steps without much thought. Then take a look at your goals and think about how to make them SMART goals. Where you've written 'increase sales', give your self a measurable value like 'increase sales by 25%' that is actually achievable (so maybe not 500%) with a time constraint like over the next year. You can still shoot for the stars but in a measurable and achievable way!

Isaac Brown

Director of Quality | Quality and Process Improvement Leader | MBA | Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt

2 年

Not a lot of love for SMART Goals in the comments ?? I've started using "ambitious" in connection with my "attainable" section. It was something that stemmed from a previous leader and I started asking something like "okay, so that 10% goal is achievable? Fantastic, what would the work have to look like for a 90% improvement". Sometimes the 90% is there.. some times it isn't currently, but it gets them to think outside of the normal set of levers.

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Michael Fitzpatrick CMIOSH - MNucI

Senior CDM / HSE Project Design | Evidence Based Safety Improvement & Operational Excellence

2 年

According to conventional wisdom, goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time bound - SMART. I on the other hand would appreciate more discussion regarding FAST — frequently discussed, ambitious, specific, and transparent. I`d appreciate hearing any insights and perspectives.

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Joy Dobson

Medical specialist focused on care of the health system

2 年

I do, but getting them right takes practice. I start testing out my New Year’s resolutions in November to ensure they will be SMART.

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