setting goals

How are your SMART goals defined?

What can I say about goal setting?  We have all been there with work-related goal setting when it comes to our performance reviews.  That dreaded process of setting goals to discuss with your manager for the next year, most of which are just words to fill the page and complete the task. Every year, asking yourself how are my SMART goals defined this time?

I’m not talking about that kind of goal!

I’m talking about the ones you actually want to set for yourself and want to accomplish!  The goal or goals can be related to your job, to your family, to your health, to anything.  Personally, I want to focus on some of the health changes that I have been having, as well as balancing my regular job and my business here.

SMART goals defined

Let’s look at
SMART goals defined!

* Specific
* Measurable
* Achievable
* Relevant
* Time-bound

S — I want to clean out my closet so that I can see my clothing more easily.

M — I want to eliminate 20 items from my stuff that I no longer need or use.

A — I will need to gather my supplies and set aside the time to get it done.

R — This will help streamline my morning and get me out the door faster.

T — I want to accomplish this within the next 30 days.

It also helps to envision the final result.  Right now, you’re on Island A and you want to be on Island B.

  • Island A is the state of your closet right now.  Shoes that you bought 10 years ago that you haven’t worn in 8 years; a bridesmaid’s dress you wore once in a wedding you can barely remember; and let’s not forget those Christmas bows.  How did they get in there anyway?
  • Island B is the land of color coordinated coat hangers and perfectly aligned pairs of shoes and a shelf display of handbags.  (Okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration).  But Island B could realistically be the clothing you wear regularly hanging up nicely and no more digging through those bridesmaids’ dresses to find the sweater you need for work this morning.

When you imagine living on Island B, what does it look like?  What does it feel like?  Are your mornings a little easier?  Do you have a better idea what to add to your wardrobe when you go shopping?  Can you breathe just a little easier when you walk into that closet?

Once you’ve defined your SMART goals, you can keep that image to motivate you to get the goal accomplished!


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of SMART goals?

The general meaning of SMART goals is to set realistic goals that can be defined, measured, and accomplished. When goals are too vague, they tend to get lost. But when you outline the terms of the goal, it becomes more real and more achievable.

What are the 5 parts of SMART?

  1. Smart
  2. Measurable
  3. Achievable
  4. Relevant
  5. Time-bound

How do you write a SMART goal?

  • Smart – The who, what, when, where, why, and which of the goal you are setting.
  • Measurable – What type of metrics will you use to measure your progress and your completion?
  • Achievable – How will you accomplish your goal? Will you need a new skill? Will you need help?
  • Relevant – How does this individual goal line up with your overall ideas and objectives?
  • Time-bound – Set a realistic time limit. If it’s a large goal, make sure to break it down into milestones.

What are some SMART goal examples?

  1. S – I want to earn a promotion at work.
  2. M – I will seek new projects and certifications.
  3. A – My boss already mentioned a possibility.
  4. R – I want to keep my career moving upward.
  5. T – I will complete the project and the certification and apply within 4 months.
  1. S – I want to lose 25 pounds.
  2. M – I’ll track of my food, exercise, and weight.
  3. A – I am in good health to start this regimen.
  4. R – I want to have more energy for activities.
  5. T – I have already RSVP-ed for my class reunion in 6 months.

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    setting goals

    Great tools and tricks to setting your goals

    Whether we are talking about personal or professional goals, there is a method to the madness. Oftentimes, we know generally what we want to accomplish but don’t have a moment to really sit down and think through the details. For example, maybe you want to streamline your morning routine. But what does that exactly mean? Hmmm – maybe it means clean out your closet so that you can find the things you want to wear. You know you want to accomplish this, however it all seems overwhelming if you don’t have a plan. But where does the plan even begin?

    I’m sure you’ve heard of SMART goals, but I’d like to give you a quick overview using our example of cleaning out the closet.

    SMART goal breakdown

    BREAK IT DOWN
    S — I want to clean out my closet so that I can see my clothing more easily.
    M — I want to eliminate 20 items from my stuff that I no longer need or use.
    A — I will need time and supplies; I need to gather my supplies and set aside an afternoon to sort everything.
    R — This will help streamline my morning routine and get me out the door faster.
    T — I want to accomplish this within the next 30 days.

    Doesn’t that seem more doable now? It does to me! Instead of facing an overflowing closet in the middle of your hectic morning, now you know what you need to get done with a realistic and measurable way to see success.


    Now let’s talk about the tasks involved once the goal is set — there can be quite a few!

    If you have a larger goal with a list of milestone tasks or have multiple goals at one time, that list can be daunting.

    Here is an excellent way to prioritize all of the things that need to get done. I keep this little chart on a Post-It note on my computer. If I’m trying to figure out what needs to be done first, I refer to this and it helps me prioritize what needs to be done!

    Urgent + Important = DO IT
    Not Urgent + Important = PLAN IT
    Urgent + Not Important = DELEGATE IT
    Not Urgent + Not Important = ELIMINATE IT

    Prioritize those goals

    I hope these tools and tricks help you define and set your goals
    If you are ready to start setting your goals today, sign up below and get this amazing worksheet to walk you through your next steps!

    Set your goals today with this worksheet in the library!