SMART Goals
SMART goals are a strategy for setting objectives used in many contexts, from
professional settings to personal development. The acronym SMART stands for:
S – Specific
Clearly defined, straightforward, and unambiguous
Your goal should be clear and specific so that you know exactly what you're aiming to
achieve.
Example:
Instead of saying "I want to lose weight", say "I want to lose 5 kilograms."
M – Measurable
With defined criteria to track progress and success
A measurable goal helps you track your progress and know when you’ve achieved it.
Example:
If the goal is to save money, specify how much and by when.
A – Achievable
Attainable and not impossible to reach
Set a goal that is realistic based on your current resources and abilities. An unachievable
goal can be demotivating.
Example:
Hiring a personal trainer to help you train for a specific fitness challenge.
R – Relevant
Within reach, realistic, and relevant to your larger purpose
Make sure your goal matters to you and is aligned with your other goals or values.
Example:
Running a marathon aligns with your desire to improve your physical health and meet a
significant personal challenge.
T – Time-Bound
With a clearly defined deadline, including a start and end date
Deadlines create urgency and help you stay focused.
Example:
Set a goal to complete the marathon within a year and create a weekly training schedule.
Generic vs SMART Goal Example
Generic Goal: Improve physical fitness.
SMART Goal:
o Specific: Run a 42 km marathon.
o Measurable: Track distance weekly using a running app.
o Achievable: Follow a personalized training plan with a coach.
o Relevant: Matches personal goals for fitness and challenge.
o Time-bound: Complete within one year, with a detailed schedule.
Goal:
Specific: What exactly do you want to accomplish?
A goal should be clear and specific, not vague or general. Being specific helps you stay focused and
motivated.
Helpful questions:
What do I want to accomplish?
Why is this goal important?
Who is involved?
Where will it happen?
What resources or limits are involved?
Mesurable: How will you know when you’ve achieved the goal?
A measurable goal allows you to track your progress and stay motivated. It answers the question “How
much?” or “How many?”
Helpful questions:
How will I know when this goal is accomplished?
What metrics or milestones will I use to track progress?
How often will I measure my progress?
Achievable: Is the goal realistic given your resources and constraints?
Your goal should challenge you, but still be attainable. If it feels too far out of reach, you may lose
motivation.
Helpful questions:
Do I have the time, skills, and resources to achieve this?
What steps will I need to take?
What might stand in my way, and how can I overcome those obstacles?
Relevant: Does this goal align with my values, needs, or long-term objectives?
Make sure your goal matters to you and supports broader life plans or professional objectives.
Helpful questions:
Why is this goal important to me?
How does it align with my bigger goals?
Is now the right time to pursue this?
Time-Bound: When do you want to achieve this goal?
Setting a deadline helps keep you focused and creates a sense of urgency.
Helpful questions:
What is my deadline?
What can I do today, next week, and next month to move toward my goal?
What’s the timeline for the steps involved?
