Everyone wants to do more in work, personal life and self-development. But for this there is always not enough time, effort or something else. Setting goals using the SMART method is a tool that will help you use personal resources several times more efficiently. You will see how much can be done at the same time.
SMART goals. What is the use of the technique?
We all have desires, personal and professional goals. This is what drives us forward. The distance between us and the goal can be measured in tasks. SMART goals’ technique allows you to:
- get maximum results every day;
- move faster toward your goals;
- avoid disappointment and psychological burnout;
- improve distribution of working time;
- dynamically develop your business or move up the career ladder;
- determine acceptable deadlines for the task.
How to set SMART goals? What is the essence of the method?
All the principles of setting goals in the SMART technique can be reduced to one word — concreteness. The method is suitable mainly for medium-term and short-term plans. For example, personal life can be predicted for a year or a little more.
When planning for a longer period, it is better to identify the main areas of work. Setting long-term goals using the SMART method will not be effective and realistic.
SMART technique allows you to more accurately formulate the desired result. Work efficiency also depends on this.
The classic version of SMART scheduling is very simple. Try to set goal lists for 3 months or a year. The next step is to regularly work to achieve your goals and record their implementation. You can highlight key aspects in the stream of goals and work on them.
Signs and examples of SMART goals — let’s watch in details
The essence of the method was described by management guru Peter Drucker. The abbreviation SMART began to be used much later. Each letter here means one of the criteria that the goal must meet.
Specific — solidity of purpose
Any personal or team goal should be as specific as possible. When setting goals, avoid common language. For example, instead of “becoming financially independent,” it’s better to write “provide for yourself, pay for renting an apartment in the city center and save X dollars per month”.
Many goals need to be broken down into several smaller ones for concretization. For example, the goal of “becoming a businessman” is better divided into:
- choose a niche for business;
- draw up a business plan;
- register a company;
- launch a site;
- hire the right employees;
- get your first order.
Measurable. The goal can and should be measured
Achieving the goal should be noticeable. Ideal if it is expressed in numbers. This is the only way to control the process of moving towards a goal. If you formulate a goal related to income level, it is better to supplement it with an exact figure. For example, you can write “to earn $ 1,500 a month to rent an apartment in the city center, make savings and live comfortably.”
The goal of “helping people” needs to be specified. To do this, specify the scope in which your help will be, in which it will be expressed. The goal is better formulated as follows: “write a book about doing business and publish it with a circulation of 10,000 copies.”
Achievable. Be brave but stay realistic
Remember that realistic goals are important. Setting feasible tasks accelerates progress and protects against psychological burnout. The assigned task should already be in force or be in the intended growth zone. For example, you study the creation of chatbots and set yourself the goal of creating a chatbot for selling your own services in a month.
If you postpone the planned actions for a long time or have no idea what needs to be done to achieve it, set the easier goal.
Relevant. Choose truly meaningful goals
The goal must be truly important to you. Ask “Why do I want to do this? ”What will this give me?” If you manage to answer as detailed as possible, the goal is really significant. Keep in mind that different goals can bring you closer to your original desire. And a situation analysis may suggest other goals.
If the goal is relevant, but in doubt, try to set an intermediate one.
Time bound. Define clear time limits
Reaching the goal should be limited in time. It is very important for personal effectiveness and team success. It is very important for each employee to see the pace and intensity of the work of others.
Exceeding the target date in the SMART methodology is assessed as an unfulfilled goal.
Conclusions
SMART goals — a management technique that helps in planning, increases efficiency. Thanks to SMART goals, control over results is also simplified. Personal and team performance is easier to evaluate. If goals are not fulfilled, it becomes clear at what point changes are needed.
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