How SMART are your goals?
Inez O. Ng
I have always been a great fan of goals. I know that studies
have shown that people who set goals are generally more
successful. I won't research and quote them here because
that's not very exciting. Personally, I like the motivation
that I derive from having set a goal, and it is even more
effective when it is a "published" goal, meaning you have
shared it with someone else.
My opinion is that setting goals is good, but setting SMART
goals is even better. So what the heck is a SMART goal? Here
is the key:
S M A R T
Specific Measurable Attainable Relevant Time Based
Here's how you check the "quality" of your goals
So let's take these attributes one by one. The first criterion
is to be specific. For example, if you put down a goal of
wanting to be more successful, that is not very specific. But
if you say that I want to make more money. That is more
specific. The more specifically you are able to define your
goal, the easier it is for you to know when you have achieved
it.
The next test is whether your goal is measurable. So, building
on the example above, more money is sort of measurable, but not
really. Let's modify our goal to say "I want to make 20% more
money." Now the goal is measurable.
The third check is whether it is attainable. We all want goals
that challenge us and make us stretch. But if it is so far out
of reach that it takes divine intervention for it to happen,
then how long do you think you'll keep trying? So, checking on
our example, if you are an entrepreneur and you have lots of
control over your income, the 20% may be attainable. If you
work for a company that has a rigid salary structure, the 20%
may be a real "only when pigs fly" goal. So, do a reality check
on how attainable your goal is so you can stay motivated and not
feel it is hopeless and give up at the first obstacle, yet still
have enough of a challenge that it really means something to you
when you achieve it.
The fourth check is if your goal is relevant. This may sound
kind of strange, but what this is getting at is what makes it
so important to you that you achieve this goal. If the answer
is that it is not that important, how hard do you think you will
work to achieve it? Again building on our example, the goal is
important because it will afford me a trip abroad, and that is
one way I nurture myself, and that is my motivation.
Last check on the quality of your goal, is it time-based,
meaning is there a completion date or some other time element
attached to it? So, one more modification: "I want to make
20% more money in 2004 than I did in 2003." Now the goal is
time-based, and it qualifies as a SMART goal. Another example
of a time-based goal that does not involve a completion date
is cooking dinner for my family three times a week. That is
an on-going goal that also has all the SMART elements.
Now on to action
Now that you know all about how to set smart goals, what goals
would you like to set for yourself? Once you have settled on a
few that feels right, share them with someone who cares about
you, and wants you to succeed, so they can be a supporter and
cheerleader along the way. Check in on your goals periodically
to see if you are moving in the right direction and if there are
any adjustments you want to make, both to your approach and to
your goals. There is nothing that says that once you have set a
goal, that's it, it is cast in concrete. If you want to revise
them, it is up to you. After all, this is about what you want,
right?
© 2004 Inez O. Ng
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Do you need some structure and accountability to propel you forward? Personal Coach Inez Ng has worked with professionals and entrepreneurs to transform their aspirations into reality. While focusing on specific areas, her coaching positively impacts all areas of her clients' lives. Prior to becoming a coach, Inez was a manager and leader in a Fortune 50 company where she coached and mentored her subordinates and peers to success. Her pragmatic approach and fierce devotion to her clients' success are what generates dramatic results. Learn more about coaching with Inez at
http://www.RealizationsUnltd.com
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