SMART Goals and How to Write Them

Whether you are an entrepreneur, a 9-to-5 office worker, or a stay-at-home parent, you need goals. You will have no idea where you are going and if you’re making progress in the absence of them.

Setting goals using the SMART methodology is an excellent way to get started. It is a method of writing goals that follow specific criteria. So what are “SMART” goals anyway?

It is generally accepted that the SMART acronym was codified in 1981 by George T. Doran, a consultant and former Director of Corporate Planning for Washington Water Power Company, in a paper entitled “There’s a S.M.A.R.T. Way to Write Management’s Goals and Objectives.” In his paper, Doran provides some clarification for readers on applying the SMART acronym:

“‘How do you write meaningful objectives?’- that is, frame a statement of results to be achieved, Managers are confused by all the verbal from seminars, books, magazines, consultants, and so on. Let me suggest, therefore, that when it comes to writing effective objectives, corporate officers, managers, and supervisors just have to think of the acronym SMART. Ideally speaking, each corporate, department, and section objective should be: (SMART).”

— GEORGE T. DORAN

SMART stands for “specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound.” You will see people using its variations, for example, “relevant” or “rewarding” instead of realistic and “achievable” or “action-oriented” instead of attainable. Through the SMART goals strategy, you will have a better understanding of your goals and your motivation.

How To Write SMART Goals?

Setting SMART goals can boost productivity and make it easier to achieve the goals, but how do you write them? Writing them might seem complicated at first blush, but shouldn’t be. Whether it’s your business, personal development, or studies, you can apply the concept of SMART goals.

• S = SPECIFIC: First of all, you need to be very specific about what you want to achieve. Be as clear and specific as possible when it comes to objectives. For example, instead of saying that you want to get more profit in a particular financial year, be clear about exactly how much.
• M = MEASURABLE: How will you know whether the goal you had set was successful or not? This is why it is essential to have a goal that is not just specific but measurable too. For example, instead of saying you will make more sales, you can set a goal like increasing the sales by at least 10% compared to last year.
• A = ATTAINABLE: Is the goal you/ve set attainable or achievable? Often the mistake that so many goal-setters make is that they set goals that are impossible to achieve. It is good to have big dreams, but it is also essential to set goals that seem achievable.
• R = RELEVANT: Have you set a relevant or irrelevant goal? Whether you are setting the goal for your business or for your own personal development, it needs to align with your business objectives or personal aspirations.
• T = TIME-BOUND: Last but not least, make sure your goal has a specific deadline. Adding a time-bound component to the goal creates a sense of urgency, propels you toward the goal, and boosts productivity. Keep in mind; you need to set the ideal time bound for your goal. Too short or too long and time-bound loses its relevance and power.

The “SMART goals” template makes it easier to write down goals. By writing your goals following the SMART goals rule, you will be clearer about what you want to achieve.