The start of a new year is typically the time when people list their resolutions for the year. But rather than creating a list of resolutions, which you may end up not fulfilling as many people do year in and year out, we think it would be much more productive to set goals instead. And one of the best tools for setting goals is the SMART method.
This is by no means a new concept; it’s been around for many years. But even if you know this already,
it’s always good to keep it mind whenever you are setting goals, whether for yourself or for your work team.
It’s called the SMART method because the acronym spells out the characteristics of good goals to set:
Specific
Goals need to be specific. Avoid very broad or vague goals. Specific goals are concrete in your mind and allow you to focus on the results you’re looking for.
Measurable
It’s easier to determine how close or far you are from your goal if it’s measurable. It also allows you to determine exactly if you’ve already met your goal, or even exceeded it.
Achievable
Goals have to be achievable and realistic or you won’t be motivated to reach them from the get-go. It’s important to know and to believe that you can meet your goals with a reasonable amount of effort and luck.
Relevant
It’s pointless to set goals that are not relevant to you or your team. Goals that are not within your scope of work or beyond your control are just not useful goals to have.
Time-bound
Finally, goals need to have a fixed timeframe in which to fulfill them. Without a specific timeframe there is no sense of urgency and procrastination can endanger the fulfillment of your goals.
So there you have it, a short and sweet mnemonic device to help you remember the right kind of goals
you need to set in order to have the best chance to meet them. So get smart and set SMART goals!
What are your SMART goals for 2016? Feel free to share in the comments below.