Goal-setting includes achieving results through planning and executing relevant steps to reach the main objectives. The concept of a S.M.A.R.T. goal revolves around a clever acronym that purportedly lets individuals and businesses achieve their ambitions faster and more effectively.
S.M.A.R.T. stands for setting goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound. Goal-setting made around these five tenets creates a model that is more effective than simply writing a goal on a piece of paper, and attempting to reach it without any directives. The S.M.A.R.T. goal method breaks down the process of goals, and how someone goes about trying to make it to the top.
A specific target shows a clearly defined scope and premise. This is the part where you ask the most questions during goal-setting. Answer the five w's of each goal to ascertain specific details of the achievement. Who must work to achieve the goal? Where does this action take place? When does this occur? What do you want to accomplish? Why is this achievement important to your life? Answers to all of these questions lead to more specific, and better, objectives.
Measurable means you must have a tangible outcome to determine your progress. Goal-setting without a data-driven way to measure how far you have progressed is similar to reading a map without a compass. How do you expect to achieve something without having a sense of direction? Ascertain how far, how much and what destination you are heading toward within a time frame to measure your incremental steps toward a larger objective.
Determine if your goal is achievable. Do your present limitations get in the way of accomplishing your goal? Can you make necessary adjustments? This means you need to know what sacrifices and practical steps you must take to meet your stated objectives. Perhaps this means eliminating that mid-morning snack to lose weight or staying up an extra hour at night to get more housework done. Setting an achievable goal helps you determine what behavioral changes to make.
Goal-setting becomes realistic when you figure out the ambition it takes to achieve your objective. Does your company need a complete overhaul to make $1 million next month, or can it be done using practical means already at your disposal? Take into account all data and materials you have in order to make relevant decisions about making a target.
Time-bound details include a deadline. Otherwise, you may spend years listlessly trying to finish a task. Setting goals includes taking the time to do it right. Every sporting event has a time limit. In soccer, teams have 90 minutes to score. NFL teams play for 60 minutes every Sunday from September to December. Without a time-bound element, no one knows when things should occur.
The business world uses this model to encourage job seekers and career-minded individuals. Take advantage of your knowledge base, connections, network and managers to help reach your objective. No one climbs the top of the career mountain without assistance from others.
Goal-setting may not be easy, but you can succeed with the right tools. Learn from your failures and setbacks to determine what works and what doesn't work as you attempt to accomplish something worthwhile.
Photo courtesy of chanpipat at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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