"SMART" is an acronym used in goal setting to ensure objectives are well-defined and achievable. It stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Here's a breakdown of each element:
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Specific: A specific goal is well-defined and focuses on a particular outcome. Instead of saying "I want to get in shape," a specific goal would be "I want to lose 10 pounds."
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Measurable: A measurable goal includes concrete criteria for tracking progress. You can track your weight loss using a scale. Without measurement, it's difficult to know if you're succeeding.
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Achievable: The goal should be realistic and attainable given your current resources and constraints. Losing 10 pounds in a year may be achievable, whereas losing 10 pounds in one week may not be. This is sometimes called Attainable.
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Relevant: The goal should align with your overall objectives and values. Losing 10 pounds could be relevant to your goal of improving overall health and fitness. This is sometimes called Realistic.
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Time-bound: A time-bound goal has a deadline. This creates a sense of urgency and helps you stay motivated. For example, “I want to lose 10 pounds by [Date].”
Example:
Let's say someone wants to improve their writing skills. A SMART goal could be: "I will improve my writing skills by completing one online writing course (Specific) and increasing my average score on writing assignments by 10% (Measurable) within the next six months (Time-bound). This is achievable given my available time and resources (Achievable), and aligns with my career goals (Relevant)."
Using the SMART framework helps increase the likelihood of achieving goals by making them clear, trackable, and realistic.
