How to Make SMART Goals Achievable
We occasionally spend a lot of our time drifting from one commitment to another, hurrying ourselves to get things done, despite having a lot on our plate.
As MindTools and Smartsheet noted, SMART is an acronym that veers towards goal-orientation, and therefore, time management.
SMART goals represent the following:
- Specific — Is the goal significant and relevant to your goals? Is it straightforward? What is being accomplished here?
- Measurable — Is the goal motivating and meaningful? Can you track your progress across time? Are you able to breakdown the overarching goal into smaller but easier to manage sub-goals?
- Achievable — Is this something that is realistic and attainable? Have you previously accomplished something similar in the past?
- Relevant — Is this a realistic goal that can generate results? Is it reasonable? Does it align with overarching or allied goals?
- Time Bound — Is it time sensitive? Have you set a time limit for this goal? How long will this goal take?
A SMART Goals Example
In this example, you want to complete a lengthy work project. However, this is a rather vague goal that must be broken down further.
Goal 1: I want to optimize work performance by completing projects on time.
- Specific — I am creating an app that will promote remote mental health services. However, test users have identified a potential problem with the app. I want to launch this app at the end of three months, in consultation with my team members.
- Measurable — Creating a new mobile app will require a lot of resources, people, and time. I want to measure how many minutes are spent in each phase of app development, including a breakdown of the various tasks done in preparation for the launch. I would also like to generate statistical information that breaks down user demographics, after the launch.
- Achievable — The team has previously produced similar mobile apps in the past with great success, generating a favourable and loyal client base. I have successfully lead teams in the past, generating profit, and earning departmental awards and grants.
- Relevant — Enhancing my work performance will make clients happy, so improving customer experience through this project is an important part of that. Plus, establishing a breakdown of the tasks performed in each phase will show me the areas of improvement that can I work on in the future.
- Time-Bound — To generate the client base needed for the app, I will need a rigorous marketing campaign. I will also need to incentivize my team members to work twice as hard, within reason, such as rewarding the team with a generous gift, after each software phase is completed.
Once you’ve opted for a SMART goals formula, it can be repurposed and customized to accommodate or anticipate new challenges, such as budget constraints, the hiring of additional team members, and many more. For more detailed SMART goals examples, The Exceptional Skills is a good place to start.
Benefits and Challenges to SMART Goals
As Mindtools noted, SMART goals, while not perfect, produces many benefits listed below.
- Provides clarity and focus through detailed goal analysis.
- Increases motivation as it is realistic.
- Increases passion as it is relevant to your overarching professional goals.
- Improves problem solving and time management abilities.
- Allows for an appropriate pace and time, including time adjustments.
- Can be short-term and long-term measures.
- Can be used by anyone, across any environment, without special training.
Still, SMART goals can be misunderstood. Sometimes people are overachievers and expect so much to be accomplished in such little time, generating various cognitive biases, including overconfidence. When engaging in SMART goals, it’s always good to anticipate hurdles ahead of time, whether it is:
- The sudden loss of a valuable team member
- A loss in finances / resources available, resulting in budget cuts
- Change in time flexibility due to an emerging crisis
- Reprioritization of goals based on client feedback and interests
Overall, SMART goals management, for better or for worse, is a potential tool designed to help with goal orientation, problem solving, and time management.
