We all have had those times when we work relentlessly, but see no results. If you’re experiencing this, you need to change the way you ‘start’ your work.
The start of the work happens when we plan it. Probably, your goals look like this: vague, beyond the sky, and timeless (literally!).
But don’t you worry. Here, we’ll learn to create effective and achievable personal goals using the ‘SMART‘ framework.
What Are SMART Goals?
The SMART framework is used to set clear, achievable goals. The acronym, ‘SMART’, stands for:
- S: Specific
- M: Measurable
- A: Achievable
- R: Relevant
- T: Time-Bound
The SMART Goals framework was introduced by George T. Doran in a 1981 article. The article explained how goals with the 5 elements of the SMART framework are more likely to be achieved.
However, it also noted that the goals don’t have to meet all the 5 elements to be considered effectively achievable.
Breaking Down The 'SMART' Framework
It’s easy to say what each letter of the acronym means. However, the difference lies in the extent to which you understand the acronym’s meaning and how you implement it.
Let’s start with the letter, “S” and implement its meaning on an example.
S: Specific
The more specific you become with your goal, the more chances will be of you acing it. Let me show you with an example.
Vague: I will wake up early from tomorrow.
Specific: I will sleep at 10 tonight and wake up early at 6 in the morning.
Here, the former sentence doesn’t define any specific time for sleeping or waking up. However, the latter does and so, you will go to bed at 10.
M: Measurable
The ‘measurable’ aspect tells you to set a way to measure your progress. It helps you analyze how far you’ve come and also keeps you motivated.
To measure your progress, you can set small milestones.
For instance, let’s say that you want to publish 50 write-ups on Medium. So, you can create two milestones at 25 articles and 50 articles.
A: Achievable
Looking at others on the Internet, we often set unrealistic goals for ourselves. They aren’t achievable, so what’s the point of keeping them in our head?
Make goals that may not be so easy, but are achievable with all the available resources.
R: Relevant
Let’s say that your long-term goal is to become a wonderful writer but at this point of time, you’re trying to learn video editing.
Would you consider both the skills relevant in any way? I won’t.
So, ensure that your present moment goals are relevant to your long-term goals.
T: Time-Bound
A deadline keeps you on track with a little push of stress. Keep your goals and milestones strictly time-bound, as if you’ve got a boss.
SMART Goals: Pros & Cons
From the surface, it seems that the SMART framework has no cons. But maybe, that ain’t true. Let’s find out with this list of pros and cons.
Pros:
- The framework helps you work with a clear roadmap.
- Clear goals with deadlines keep you highly motivated.
- You use your resources effectively.
Cons:
- The SMART framework doesn’t work for big, long-term goals. It only works on short-term goals.
- It might affect your creativity because of simplified goals.
How To Create Personal, SMART Goals?
Here, I am sharing a 6-step rule for you to set your personal goals using the SMART framework.
- Brainstorm all the goals that you want to set for yourself.
- Pick out the ones that are relevant to your long-term goals and eliminate the rest.
- Again, pick the ones that are achievable at the moment with the available resources and cross out the rest.
- Now, make them more specific with a blend in your daily routine.
- Break them down into small milestones.
- Set a deadline for each of these goals.
The Bottom Line
The SMART framework is used by many people in their goal journals. However, your goals don’t necessarily have to meet a certain criteria to be fulfilled or considered. All you need is a passionate mindset!
