S.M.A.R.T is a mnemonic acronym is that stands for:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Relevant
- Time-Sensitive
If we expand on each of the letters in the S.M.A.R.T goal system we can see how they fit into specific goal planning.
S = Specific – This criteria stresses the idea that goals should be specific rather than generalized. Goals should be clear and concise with a specific final result.
Avoid vague, non-specific goals like, “I will save money” or “I will find a new career/job”. These types of goals leave too much room for question and will not help you stay on track.
Use the 4 W’s to assess whether or not your goal is specific.
What do you hope to accomplish?
Why do you want to accomplish it?
Who is involved or can help you?
Where, identify a location.
Which, identify requirements and possible obstacles.
M = Measurable – The second criteria is the need to be able to measure your progress and success. Measuring your progress will help you stay on track by motivating you. When you see yourself reaching milestones it will encourage you to continue towards the final result.
Take big goals and break them into smaller ones and reward yourself for each milestone you achieve.
For example; if your goal was to get stronger in your fouettés then you would set your fist milestone at doing 4-5 in a row and track your progress from there. If you want to be more slender great measures could be; not eating junk food for a week, making healthy choice while eating out, etc… (Dieting at this stage of your life is not recommended!)
Being measurable means you can see your progress in some form.
A = Achievable – This criteria simply means that your goal must be realistic and within your means. Setting the goal to travel to Jupiter may seem like a great idea, but it is not within the reality of this lifetime. The same goes for the goal of becoming a ballerina; this is an excellent goal for someone who has studied ballet seriously for years, but if you are thirty-years-old and never stepped foot in a dance studio there may be readjustment required.
This is not to say you cannot modify this goal to invite a more general version into your life.
(E.g. taking dance classes)
R = Relevant – This simply means the goals you are setting should have a specific purpose in your life. The goal to make 500 paper airplanes in 2 hours may be specific, measurable, attainable and time-sensitive but it lacks personal relevance that is going to move you forward or better your life.
T = Time-sensitive – This criteria is sometimes considered the most important aspect of the goal setting process. Anyone can set a goal and say. “I want to accomplish this someday” but a S.M.A.R.T goal setter will say, “I want to accomplish this by this day”.
Giving yourself a specific timeline to achieve your goal is another way to keep yourself on track and keep you motivated. It is important that you give yourself enough time to achieve your goals, but not so much that you can slack off. Giving yourself too much time to accomplish a desired goal can lead to you lose interest, become distracted or simply give up.
Choose a reasonable time frame based on milestones and possible obstacles and reassess as required.
*Telling others about your goals and time frame is another way to stay focused*
The S.M.A.R.T goal system is a blueprint for effective goal setting that simply helps you to set the right goals and increases you chances of achieving them.