Despite the fact that the term has evolved in several ways, SMART stands for objectives that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely. This acronym is used to help leaders write management objectives and improve overall company performance through measurable, time-based objectives. SMART is an effective tool that provides the clarity, focus and motivation you need to achieve your goals. For a goal to be SMART, it must be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound.
Specificity is a good start, but quantifying your goals (that is, making sure they are measurable) makes it easy to track progress and know when you've reached the goal. The possibility of achieving the goal must be broadened to make you feel challenged, but it must be defined well enough that you can actually achieve it. Evaluating progress helps you stay focused, meet your deadlines, and feel the thrill of being closer to achieving your goal. Rather than improvising and hoping that by the end of the process you have achieved your goals, continually evaluate your objectives throughout the process.
If the goal has no time constraints, there will be no sense of urgency and therefore less motivation to achieve it. A SMART goal must be realistic in the sense that the goal can be realistically achieved with the resources and time available. So, make sure that your plans push everyone forward, but that you're still responsible for achieving your own goal. SMART lenses are also easy to use by anyone, anywhere, without the need for specialized tools or training. For more information on the potential weaknesses of SMART, see our Locke Target Theory article.
For other goal-setting resources, see our articles, Golden Rules for Setting Goals, Using Well-Trained Outcomes in Goal Setting, Setting Personal Goals, and Treasure Mapping. In short, SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely. It is an effective tool that provides the clarity, focus and motivation you need to achieve your goals. Therefore, a SMART goal incorporates all of these criteria to help focus your efforts and increase the chances of achieving your goal.
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