SMAART goals are specific, measurable, attainable, ambitious, reward-based, and time-bound objectives that help you focus your efforts and increase your chances of success. By following these top ten tips, you can effectively write SMAART goals for yourself or your team:
1. Make your goals specific. A specific goal has a clear focus, is actionable and is well-defined. Instead of saying “I want to lose weight,” try “I want to lose 10 pounds in the next three months by exercising for at least 30 minutes a day and eating a healthy diet.”
2. Make your goals measurable. A measurable goal has clear criteria for determining progress and success. Instead of saying “I want to improve my communication skills,” try “I want to participate in at least two public speaking events in the next six months and receive positive feedback from at least 80% of the audience.”
3. Make your goals attainable. An attainable goal is realistic and achievable given your resources and limitations. Instead of saying “I want to become a millionaire in the next year,” try “I want to increase my income by 20% in the next year by negotiating a raise or finding a higher paying job.”
4. Make your goals ambitious. An ambitions goal is one that is BIG and challenging; it should stretch your abilities but still be within reach. If your goal is too easy, you may not be motivated to put in the necessary effort. If your goal is too difficult, you may become discouraged and give up. If should be moderately hard so that you have to work for it and can also force you to grow. Instead of saying “I’ll do 10 push-ups a day for 30 days,” try “I’ll start with one push-up a day and add one push-up every day until I get to 30 a day in 30 days.”
5. Make your goals reward-based. A reward-based goal is aligned with your values, goals, and overall mission and achieves something that is meaningful to you and provides you with a reward. It can be monetary, time-based or spiritually fulfilling. Instead of saying “I want to learn how to play the violin,” try “I want to learn how to play the violin because it will allow me to perform in a community orchestra and share my love of music with others.”
6. Make your goals time-bound. A time-bound goal has a specific deadline for completion. A “what” BY “when” date. Instead of saying “I want to learn a new language,” try “I want to learn Spanish fluently by Dec 31, 2024 (two years) by taking a weekly language class and practicing for at least 30 minutes a day.”
7. Make your goals specific to you. Your goals should be tailored to your unique needs, skills, and interests. Don’t set goals based on what others think you should do or what you think is expected of you.
8. Make your goals flexible. Life is unpredictable, and your goals should be able to adapt to changing circumstances. Don’t be too rigid in your planning and be open to adjusting your goals as needed. It’s OK if you need to reassess, revise and recommit to a goal.
9. Make your goals positive. Focus on what you want to achieve, rather than what you want to avoid. Instead of saying “I don’t want to be late to work anymore,” try “I want to arrive at work on time every day by setting my alarm for 15 minutes earlier and allowing extra time for unexpected delays.”
By following these tips, you can effectively write SMAART goals that will help you focus your efforts, increase your motivation, and increase your chances of success. Remember to review your goals regularly and make adjustments as needed to ensure that you are on track to achieve them.