SMART goals are a technique for setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives. This stratagem ensures that goals are clearly defined and can be pursued in a systematic manner.
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How to make SMART goals
Creating SMART goals involves following a specific strategy:
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You first need to ensure your goal is specific. It should narrow down what you want to accomplish as precisely as possible to provide clear direction.
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Next, establish how you will measure the accomplishment of your goal. This might include concrete numbers or observable actions.
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Ensure the goal is achievable by taking a pragmatic look at the resources and capabilities you have at your disposal.
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For a goal to be relevant, it should align with your broader aims and values.
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Lastly, set a timeline for when you wish to achieve your goal, providing necessary urgency and a finish line towards which to work.
How to use a SMART goals template
Using a template can streamline the process of creating SMART goals:
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Choose a suitable SMART goals template – you can find many free options online.
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Examine the template closely to ensure it fits your particular needs.
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Start filling in the template, replacing the sample text with your own specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals.
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Ensure that the filled-out template gives you a clear path towards your goal, is comprehensible, and feels doable.
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Lastly, proofread the completed template to check for errors and to confirm that the goal appears convincingly laid out.
SMART goals FAQ
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What makes a goal SMART? A SMART goal is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
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Why is it necessary to set SMART goals? Creating SMART goals ensures that targets are clear, realistic, and quantifiable, which increases the likelihood of achieving them successfully.
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Can SMART goals change over time? Yes, as your circumstances evolve, your SMART goals can change with them.
Author
Matthew Zane is the lead editor of Zippia's How To Get A Job Guides. He is a teacher, writer, and world-traveler that wants to help people at every stage of the career life cycle. He completed his masters in American Literature from Trinity College Dublin and BA in English from the University of Connecticut.
