Where do you want to be 5 years from now, 10 years from now, or even this time next year? Perhaps you know exactly what you want to achieve but have no idea how to get there. Goals are general guidelines that explain what you want to achieve. Understanding the importance of goals and the techniques involved in setting achievable and effective goals are the fundamental keys to success.
Do you know how to set goals? How often do you achieve the large objectives that are really important to you? Goal setting can look very different depending on an individual’s lifestyle, values and definition of success. Your goals are unique to you and don’t need to look like anyone else’s.
To make sure your goals are clear and reachable, each one should be SMART.
Specific (simple, sensible, significant).
What do I want to accomplish?
Why is this goal important?
Who is involved?
Where is it located?
Which resources or limits are involved?
Measurable (meaningful, motivating).
How much?
How many?
How will I know when it is accomplished?
Achievable (agreed, attainable).
How can I accomplish this goal?
How realistic is the goal, based on other constraints, such as financial factors?
Relevant (reasonable, realistic and resourced, results-based).
Does this seem worthwhile?
Is this the right time?
Does this match our other efforts/needs?
Am I the right person to reach this goal?
Is it applicable in the current socio-economic environment?
Time-bound (time-based, time-limited, time/cost limited, timely, time-sensitive).
When?
What can I do six months from now?
What can I do six weeks from now?
What can I do today?
SMART is an effective tool that provides the clarity, focus and motivation you need to achieve your goals. It can also improve your ability to reach them by encouraging you to define your objectives and set a completion date. SMART goals are also easy to use by anyone, anywhere, without the need for specialist tools or training.
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