SMART
We’re often told to set goals, whether these are long-term goals, short-term goals, lifetime goals, or personal goals. Goal setting is a vital business practice.
But just setting goals is not enough, these goals need to be S.M.A.R.T
Specific Measurable Achievable Relevant and Time-Bound
The benefits of Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound (S.M.A.R.T) are well founded. Being SMART is about ‘eating the elephant, one bite at a time’ and turning vision into achievable actions.
It’s what all successful individuals and businesses have in common.
Why
Despite their obvious value, our experience with goals has shown that whilst some goals are achieved to great success, others fall to the wayside. The famous failure of thousands of New Year’s resolutions to stop smoking is an example.
There are many reasons why we don’t achieve our goals but the key one is these goals might not have been S.M.A.R.T but were instead unrealistic or poorly conceived. Continuing the new year’s resolution example; suddenly, we expect to change the way we eat or the way we exercise just because the calendar changes. It’s like expecting a child that’s never ridden a bike to suddenly jump on and go, or to run a marathon without months of training. These goals are based on illusion, with little regard for natural growth. You must be able to crawl before you walk.
Benefits – SMART goals clarify business objectives
SMART goals help business coaches and their clients build consensus on an overall agenda that incorporates both personal and professional achievement. This allows all involved to understand directly what actions they can take that lead to success. Instead of vague checklists and fuzzy mission statements, team members can use SMART goals to hold each other accountable for daily and quarterly success.
S – Keeping goals specific prevents you from spending too much time on “pie in the sky” ideas about future possibilities.
M – Measurable goals allow you to easily track their progress.
A – Making goals achievable motivates you, as it allows you to celebrate smaller “wins” more often.
R – Discussing the relevance of goals allows you to focus on actions that move your company or team forward.
T – while being Time-Bound helps us set realistic deadlines for progress.
How to set and achieve goals
Stephen R. Covey says it best in his book “7 Habits of Highly Effective People”. “To begin with the end in mind means to start with a clear understanding of your destination. It means to know where you’re going so that you better understand where you are now and so that the steps you take are always in the right direction.”
An example of a S.M.A.R.T. goal might look something like the following:
WHAT
My goal is to maintain a healthy body.
WHY
So that:
I can be fit to do the things I enjoy.
I can be an example to my children in health management.
I can build my personal character strength.
HOW
Good Nutrition. I will increase my intake of fresh fruits and vegetables and decrease my intake of sugar, fats, salt, and red meat.
Physical. I will exercise aerobically 3 times a week for 30-minute periods.
Focus. I will be aware of my body and look out for any health problems.
Focusing on the smaller, short-term goals and achieving success will give you the confidence to set other goals. So, remember, set your goals based on the S.M.A.R.T. principle to have the best chance of achieving them.
And that’s worth thinking about…
If you would like to take steps to implement any of these tips into your business contact ACTION coach Tim Coleman for a diagonstic session.
