2. +
What Is a SMART Goal?
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Timebound
3. +
Specific
To be specific, the goal has to be concrete, precise, and clear.
To help create a specific goal, ask:
What exactly do I want to accomplish?
Who or what is involved?
Where?
Non-specific goal: “I want to earn more money at my sales
job.”
Specific goal: “My goal is to earn a $1500 bonus by
increasing my sales."
4. +
Measureable
To be measureable, you should be able to determine the
progress toward your goal
Often stated as a quantity
If you can’t measure your goal, you can’t manage it!
Non-Measurable:” I want to increase sales” (Eventually? by how
much?)
Measureable: “I will increase sales 3% each month”
5. +
Achievable and Realistic
To be achievable, goals should be set at the right level of
difficulty—challenging but not overwhelming
To be realistic, consider your resources and circumstances.
(i.e. time, energy, ability) Given those, is the goal practical?
Our bonus example:
Achievable: How hard will it be to increase sales by 3% each
month? It will take work, but you believe you can do it.
Realistic: You have the willingness and time to put in the added
work and the potential customer base is large enough.
6. +
Timebound
To be timebound, the goal needs a clear deadline.
In our bonus example, you add the deadline of “December 31st
of this year”
Voila! Now your goal has a timeframe.
7. +
Non-SMART v. SMART Goal
Original (Non-SMART) Goal: “I want to earn more money at
my sales job this year”
Vs
SMART Goal: “By December 31st of this year, I will earn a
$1500 bonus by increasing my sales numbers each month by 3
percent.”
You can see how the second goal is much more clear, concrete,
and precise. You know exactly how you will reach your goal,
when, and exactly what you are aiming for.
