The SMART technique was originally coined by Sonja Lyubomirsky. Setting SMART goals for success is a simple process. Setting smart goals for success using the SMART method consists of the following attributes.
Specific
Having
straightforward goals will emphasize what your objectives are
succinctly so that there is a much higher likelihood that they will
actually happen. Specifics help to focus efforts and to best clearly
define what the intentions are for any given purpose or activity. They
can be particularly beneficial for goal setting since they provide a
road map to refer to regularly to stay on track.
Measurable
The
mandate when it comes to goals seems to be that if it can't be
measured, it most likely cannot be managed. Ultimately, a goal
statement serves as a measurement method for any project. When a goal
can be accomplished, the overall project can be a successful endeavor.
With most projects, there are typically several short-term goals that
amount to smaller "measurements" which are built into a specific goal.
Attainable
When
goals are identified, they are usually prioritized according to what is
most important. It is at this time that you can begin to confront what
needs to be done to achieve them. You can develop the proper attitudes,
skills, financial capacity and other assets needed to reach the goals.
Sometimes, previously overlooked opportunities can materialize through
this process.
Realistic
It is
important to set goals that are realistic, however, not necessarily so
simple that they will pose no challenge. The learning curve to
accomplish a goal should include available skills needed to do the work
and that the project aligns with overall goals and strategy. Realistic
projects can expand the skills and knowledge of whomever will be
working on them, but should not be so outside the realm of possibility
as to be unrealistic and, therefore, unattainable.
If you devise
a plan of action with bullet points to achieve, the goal will seem much
more realistic. Including tasks that you know can be accomplished will
give you a sense of success, very early on in the process. These are
important steps and can reinforce and motivate completion of other
tasks that maybe harder to confront. Use a gradient scale of
achievement so that each task is broken down to the most specific
actions. Balance the projects so that attainment is neither always too
easy or too difficult.
Timely
Set time
frames for each task within a project for a goal. Use realistic time
settings and take stock of every sub-task that will need to be
accomplished so that there is a logical flow designed. Putting an end
time or date on each task will clarify each target to work toward in an
orderly fashion. It is important to set a time period because, if not,
the commitment can be too vague. Tasks without some sort of time frame
can fail to materialize because time represents accountability. You can
always adjust a task's time line as necessary. Therefore, set as
realistic a time frame as you can to start with. This important because
if you do not, it will never seem like there is any reason to really
tackle the task.
Remember that all tasks associated with
projects and goals should be measurable, realistic and therefore,
attainable. Most everyone can benefit from having tangible goals with
targets and projects in order for the objectives to actually
materialize. The SMART program is an instrument that can be applied to
any set of goal setting objectives.