A personal development SMART goal is a goal designed to improve an individual's skills, knowledge, or personal attributes that adheres to the SMART framework, which means it is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. A goal utilizing the SMART criteria is more likely to be achieved due to its focused and structured approach.
Understanding the SMART Framework
The acronym SMART breaks down the qualities of an effective goal:
| Acronym | Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
| S | Specific | The goal is clear and well-defined, leaving no room for ambiguity. |
| M | Measurable | Progress towards the goal can be tracked, typically with quantifiable metrics. |
| A | Achievable | The goal is realistic and attainable given the available resources and time. |
| R | Realistic | The goal is relevant to one's personal development objectives and current situation. |
| T | Timely | The goal has a defined start and end date, creating a sense of urgency. |
How to Create a SMART Personal Development Goal
To create an effective personal development goal, consider the following steps:
- Identify Area for Improvement: What personal skill, knowledge, or attribute do you want to develop?
- Make it Specific: Define your goal precisely. Avoid vague language. For example, instead of "becoming better at communication," specify "improve my public speaking skills."
- Establish Measurable Metrics: How will you know if you are making progress? For example, "deliver three successful presentations to colleagues" is more measurable than just "give some presentations."
- Ensure Achievability: Is the goal possible to achieve with your current resources, skills, and limitations? A goal that is too difficult can lead to discouragement.
- Confirm Relevance: Ensure your goal aligns with your overall personal development plan or objectives. Is this goal a step in the right direction for you?
- Set a Realistic Timeline: Assign a start and end date to your goal. This will help keep you focused and on track.
Examples of SMART Personal Development Goals
-
Not SMART: "Read more books."
-
SMART: "Read one book on leadership development each month for the next six months." (Specific: leadership development, Measurable: one book each month, Achievable: one book per month, Realistic: fits into reading habit, Timely: six months).
-
Not SMART: "Improve my networking."
-
SMART: "Attend one networking event per week for the next eight weeks and exchange contact information with at least two new people at each event.” (Specific: Attend networking events, Measurable: one event a week, contact info from 2 new people, Achievable: fits into schedule, Realistic: attainable, Timely: eight weeks)
By using the SMART framework, you can turn vague aspirations into concrete, achievable goals. This helps you focus your efforts and is more likely to lead to successful personal development.
