The idea of making goals SMART has been around for quite some time now. As a refresher, the acronym stands for:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time-bound
With any idea like this, it doesn’t do much good if you only know what the five components are. You have to use them.
When looking back on goals I’ve had but didn’t accomplish, there were usually one or two SMART components missing in my intentions.
Recently I had the goal to learn to program in JAVA. Two days later I ditched it when I realized it had no relevancy. I have no need to learn to program.
Many times during my life I’ve wanted to write a book. This one never seems to get going because it isn’t time-bound and specificity is a problem, since I’m not sure what I want to write about.
And I can’t even begin to list all the goals that don’t happen because they are not achievable. Oh they very well might be possible, but until there’s a working plan on the table, it ain’t going to happen. Making goals is fun. Figuring out how to achieve them is an entirely different process.
So the next time you hear yourself saying that you have a goal to [ ], be sure to say it SMART. It’s the best way to increase the chances of achieving your it.
Photo by juliakoz
You’re right. Knowing the theory behind goal setting SMART or otherwise is one thing, taking action is another. I’ve learned that unless my thoughts line up with my goals I will never take action. The first step in goal setting, for me, is to change my thinking about a given goal, then action follows naturally.