Why You Should Use the SMART Goal Setting Method

If you're like most people, you probably set goals for yourself on a regular basis. Whether it's a New Year's resolution or a personal goal, we all have things that we want to achieve. But how often do we actually achieve our goals?

Setting goals is the easy part. It's achieving them that's hard. But there is a way to make your goals more achievable and that's by using the SMART goal setting method.

What is SMART Goal Setting?

SMART goal setting is a popular and effective way to set goals. It stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. When you set goals using this method, you are more likely to achieve them because you are clear about what you want to achieve and have a plan for how to do it.

How SMART Goal Setting Works

Let's say you want to lose weight. Instead of just saying "I want to lose weight," using the SMART goal method, you would say:

The specific goal would be to lose 10 pounds in 3 months.

The measurable goal would be to exercise for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.

The achievable goal would be to eat healthy meals and snacks and avoid processed foods.

The relevant goal would be to lose weight so that you can be healthier and have more energy.

The time-bound goal would be to set a deadline of 3 months for yourself.

So putting it all together, a SMART goal for weight loss would be:

To lose 10 pounds in 3 months by exercising for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, and eating healthy meals and snacks while avoiding processed foods.

Another example of a SMART goal is if you want to start a new business. A SMART goal for starting a new business goes like this:

The specific goal would be to start a business that sells handmade jewelry.

The measurable goal would be to make $500 in sales in the first month.

The achievable goal would be to create a website and promote your products through social media and online advertising.

The relevant goal would be to start a business that allows you to be creative and work from home.

The time-bound goal would be to start your business within the next 6 months.

So putting it all together, a SMART goal for starting a new business would be:

To start a business that sells handmade jewelry and makes $500 in sales in the first month by creating a website and promoting your products through social media and online advertising within the next 6 months.

A SMART goal is also great for setting team goals. If your team's goal is to increase sales by 10 percent this quarter, using the SMART method, you would break that goal down into smaller, more manageable milestones. For example:

The specific goal would be to increase sales by 10 percent this quarter.

The measurable goal would be to make 100 sales this quarter.

The achievable goal would be to call 10 new potential customers per day.

The relevant goal would be to increase sales so that the company can reach its quarterly targets.

The time-bound goal would be to set a deadline of 3 months for the quarter.

So putting it all together, a SMART goal for increasing sales would be:

To increase sales by 10 percent this quarter by making 100 sales and calling 10 new potential customers every day within the next 3 months.

As you can see, there are many benefits to using the SMART goal setting method. It breaks down your objectives into smaller, more manageable pieces, keeps you focused on what you want to achieve, and gives you a timeline for achieving your goals. 

Give it a try the next time you set goals for yourself or your team. You may be surprised at how well it works!.