SMART Goal

SMART GOALS

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What are SMART GOALS?

A Smart goal is a goal that is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. A smart goal can be behavioural, academic or social. Smart is a helpful acronym for setting these goals, but you don’t necessarily have to go through the letters in order. It can be beneficial when brainstorming to start with the S and the T.

A specific goal is well-defined and focused. One way to decide if a goal is specific is to ask yourself, can I describe what I want to accomplish in one phrase or sentence, goal to goal? A goal that is relevant to you is one that positively influences your life as a unique individual to decide if a goal is relevant to you, ask yourself, will pursuing this goal prevent me from doing something that may be more important to me?

Next, a measurable goal allows you to see the changes you are striving for to figure out a measurable goal, ask yourself, how am I now, and how will I be different?Lastly, an achievable goal is one that is realistic and worth the energy, effort and change required to achieve it. Consider if your goal fits these parameters by asking, what is my motivation for achieving this goal?

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Smart goals are:

Specific: A specific goal is well-defined and focused.

Measurable: Measurable goals help to see your progress towards your target within your set criteria.

Achievable: An achievable goal is realistic and worth the energy, effort and change required to achieve it.

Realistic: A realistic goal that is within your reach, realistic and relevant to your set target.

 Timely: Within the designated timeline, which includes the start and target dates.

Specific SMART GOALS

Specific SMART GOALS have a higher chance of being achieved. Let’s see one example to be clear about goals and specific goals.

Simple Goal: I want to pass this exam.

Specific Goal: I want to pass this exam so that I can get a government job with a good salary by 2025.

To create specific goals, it is necessary to answer these five “W” following questions:

  • Who needs to be involved to achieve the goal?
  • What is the individual trying to accomplish?
  • Where is the goal located?
  • Why is the goal important?
  • When should the goal be achieved?

Measurable SMART GOALS

A SMART GOALS must have certain criteria for measuring its progress.  A measurable goal allows you to see the changes you are striving for to figure out a measurable goal, ask yourself:

  • how am I now?
  • how will I be different?
  • What is my indicator of progress?

Specific Goal: I want to pass this exam so that I can get a government job with a good salary by 2025.

Measurable SMART Goals: I want to pass this exam so that I can get a government job with a good salary by 2025. Every day I will study 8 hours daily.

Achievable SMART GOALS

A SMART goal must be achievable and attainable. An achievable goal is one that is realistic and worth the energy, effort and change required to achieve it. Consider if your goal fits these parameters by asking:

  • what is my motivation for achieving this goal?
  • Has anyone succeeded before?

Example:

Measurable SMART Goals: I want to pass this exam so that I can get a government job with a good salary by 2025. Every day I will study 8 hours daily.

Achievable SMART Goals: I will dedicate 4 hours daily to study and join a coaching class for guidance within my 8 hours of study per day.

Realistic SMART GOALS:

Realistic SMART goals are those that are genuinely achievable given your current resources, skills, and constraints. However, it’s great to target high, goals should remain grounded to avoid frustration or burnout. Ask yourself these three questions:

  • Does the goal seem worthy enough?
  • Is it the right time to carry out the goal?
  • Is the assigned person the right one to carry out this goal?

Example: “This exam is essential for my dream of getting a government job with a good salary.”

Timely SMART GOALS

A smart goal must be within a certain time frame in that it has a start and finish date. If we don’t set a time-bound, then there will be no seriousness in doing the set task which leads to failure of preset goals. Ask yourself:

  • Do I have a deadline for my goal?
  • When do I need to achieve this goal?

Example: “I will pass the exam by December 2025.”

The Importance of SMART Goal Setting

Smart goal setting is a powerful way of achieving success in professional, personal and academic pursuits. By verifying that goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, anyone can increase the chances of staying focused, motivated, and productive.  At last, we can say anyone can set a goal, but using the smart approach for your goals will make your objectives much easier to achieve.

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