You may have goals, but the way to setting them is an important step to success. Here some good advices to do it correctly!
The SMART method is a 5-step strategy to set, define and formulate goals realistically and correctly in order to achieve them. Management researcher Peter Drucker, back in the 1950s, developed criteria for better formulating goals so that they are both measurable and motivating and can also be achieved. SMART goals should help to keep focus, prevent blind activism and focus energy on the really important goals.
SMART method simply explained
The name of the SMART method stands for the abbreviation of the five SMART criteria that each goal should be based on in order to clearly define it:
Specific
Generalizations and ambiguity are the natural enemies of goals. Vague formulations and unclear ideas are not enough. Purposefulness requires precise announcements that leave no doubt as to what is to be achieved. To stand specific goals you can answer this questions:
· What do I want to accomplish?
· Where is this goal to be achieved?
· Why do I want to achieve this goal?
Measurable
In order to determine retrospectively whether you have achieved your goal, it must be formulated in such a way that it is measurable. In some cases this is easy if you can answer:
· How many/much?
· How do I know if I have reached my goal?
· What is my indicator of progress?
Achievable
We do not achieve goals by persevering slogans, but only if we stand behind them and feel like putting them into practice. This works above all with positive formulations: «I want to be financially independent» motivates more than «I don’t want to be poor anymore.» Consider this:
· Do I have the resources and capabilities to achieve the goal? If not, what am I missing?
· Have others done it successfully before?
Realistic
What is basically a good attitude can be blocking despite all determination. Over-ambition leads to frustration; castles in the air to disappointments. Goals can be big, but they shouldn’t be completely unrealistic or utopian, so that we can’t achieve them at all. That kills any incentive. Think about this:
· Is the goal realistic and within reach?
· Is the goal reachable, given the time and resources?
· Are you able to commit to achieving the goal?
Timely
Every goal needs a time frame, a deadline by which something should be done. You know that the closer the deadline gets, the harder everyone tries (see: goal gradient effect). Therefore: plan partial steps, set partial limits and achieve more faster.
· Does my goal have a deadline?
· By when do you want to achieve your goal?
SMART method example: better goal setting
After the theory, now the practice. Below are three examples that show the difference between poorly formulated and SMART goals:
Incorrect:
«I want to write a book.»
Correct:
«I will complete a 350-page book within a year by writing a new page every day.»
Incorrect:
«I want to lose weight.»
Correct:
«I’m going to the gym three times a week to lose half a pound a week until my vacation on June 12.»
Incorrect:
«I’ll look for a new job.»
Correct:
«I will write two applications every week alongside my current job to find a new position in marketing within 6 months.»
Why are SMART goals important?
Because:
√ Goals give us orientation.
√ Goals define your own success.
√ Goals are both an incentive and a motor.
√ Achieving goals makes you happy.
√ Goals increase self-confidence.
√ Goals prolong life*.
*By the way, this point is based on a Canadian study. Carleton University psychologist Patrick Hill found that purposeful people live healthier lives, are more fitness conscious, and are happier and more satisfied with their lives.
So, add more satisfaction and some good years to your life!