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5 Steps on How to Write SMART Goals

Goal setting is an essential part of achieving success, both personally and professionally. However, simply having a goal in mind is not enough. To make progress towards your objectives, it is crucial to ensure that your goals are SMART. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. By following these five steps, you can create goals that are well-defined, realistic, and achievable.


Blue graphic with a picture of a lady writing in a notepad.
5 Steps on How to Write SMART Goals

In this article, we will take a closer look at how to write SMART goals and why they are essential for your success. Whether you're a student, a professional, or an entrepreneur, mastering the art of setting goals can help you stay focused, motivated, and on the path to achieving your dreams. So, let's dive in and learn how to write SMART goals that can help you achieve your desired outcomes!


What are SMART Goals?

SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. These are the five criteria that make a goal SMART. Specific goals are well-defined and clear, while measurable goals can be quantified to track progress. Attainable goals are realistic and can be achieved within a certain timeframe, while relevant goals are aligned with your values and priorities. Finally, time-bound goals have a deadline for completion, ensuring that you stay on track and focused.


Importance of Writing SMART Goals

Setting SMART goals is essential because it helps you clarify your objectives and stay focused on what you want to achieve. When you have a clear idea of what you want and how you plan to accomplish it, you are more likely to stay motivated and take action towards your goals. SMART goals also help you measure progress and evaluate success. By setting specific and measurable goals, you can track your progress and make adjustments as needed to stay on track. Additionally, SMART goals help you prioritize your time and energy. When you have well-defined goals, you can focus on what is most important and avoid wasting time on less important tasks.


5 Steps to Follow When Writing SMART Goals

Now that you understand what SMART goals are and why they are important, let's dive into the five steps you should follow when writing SMART goals.


Blue graphic with 5 steps for setting SMART goals.
Setting SMART Goals

Step 1: Specificity

The first step in writing SMART goals is to make it specific. A specific goal is well-defined and clear, leaving no room for ambiguity. To make your goal specific, ask yourself the following questions:

  • What exactly do I want to achieve?

  • Why is this goal important to me?

  • What are the specific steps I need to take to achieve this goal?

For example, instead of setting a vague goal like "I want to lose weight," make it specific by saying "I want to lose 10 pounds in the next 3 months by exercising for 30 minutes a day and eating a balanced diet."


Example of Specific SMART Goals

I want to increase my sales by 20% in the next quarter by reaching out to 10 new potential clients every week and improving my customer service skills.


Step 2: Measurability

The second step in writing SMART goals is to make it measurable. A measurable goal is one that can be quantified, allowing you to track your progress and evaluate success. To make your goal measurable, ask yourself the following questions:

  • How will I know when I have achieved my goal?

  • What metrics will I use to track my progress?

  • How often will I measure my progress?

For example, instead of setting a vague goal like "I want to save money," make it measurable by saying "I want to save $5000 in the next year by putting aside $100 a week."


Example of Measurable SMART Goals

I want to increase my website traffic by 30% in the next month by posting 3 blog articles a week and promoting them on social media.


Step 3: Achievability

The third step in writing SMART goals is to make it achievable. An achievable goal is one that is realistic and can be accomplished within a given timeframe. To make your goal achievable, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Is this goal within my capabilities?

  • Do I have the resources and support I need to achieve this goal?

  • Is this goal realistic given my current circumstances?

For example, instead of setting an unrealistic goal like "I want to run a marathon next month," make it achievable by saying "I want to run a 5k in the next 3 months by following a training plan and gradually increasing my distance."


Example of Achievable SMART Goals

I want to complete my online course in digital marketing in the next 6 months by dedicating 2 hours a day to studying and completing assignments.


Step 4: Relevance

The fourth step in writing a SMART goal is to make it relevant. A relevant goal is one that aligns with your values and priorities, making it meaningful and important to you. To make your goal relevant, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Why is this goal important to me?

  • How does this goal align with my values and priorities?

  • What impact will achieving this goal have on my life or work?

For example, instead of setting a goal that is not important to you, like "I want to learn a new language," make it relevant by saying "I want to learn Spanish in the next year to improve my communication skills with my Spanish-speaking clients."


Example of Relevant SMART Goals

I want to volunteer at my local homeless shelter for 5 hours a week in the next month to give back to my community and help those in need.


Step 5: Time-bound

The final step in writing a SMART goal is to make it time-bound. A time-bound goal has a deadline for completion, ensuring that you stay on track and focused. To make your goal time-bound, ask yourself the following questions:

  • When do I want to achieve this goal?

  • What is the deadline for completing this goal?

  • What milestones do I need to reach along the way?

For example, instead of setting a goal with no deadline like "I want to write a book," make it time-bound by saying "I want to write and publish a book in the next year by writing 500 words a day and completing the manuscript by December."


Example of Time-bound SMART Goals

I want to launch my new product in the next 3 months by completing product development, conducting market research, and creating a marketing plan.


Examples of SMART goals

Now that you understand how to write SMART goals, here are some examples to inspire you:

  • I want to increase my social media following by 1000 followers in the next month by posting engaging content and running targeted ads.

  • I want to save $10,000 in the next year by cutting back on unnecessary expenses and increasing my income through freelance work.

  • I want to complete my master's degree in the next 2 years by attending classes part-time and dedicating 10 hours a week to studying and assignments.

  • I want to run a 10k race in the next 6 months by following a training plan and gradually increasing my distance.

  • I want to improve my public speaking skills in the next month by attending a public speaking course and practicing in front of a mirror or with friends.

Conclusion

Setting SMART goals is an essential part of achieving success, whether you're a student, a professional, or an entrepreneur. By following the five steps of SMART goal setting, you can create goals that are well-defined, realistic, and achievable. Specificity, measurability, achievability, relevance, and time-bound are the five criteria that make a goal SMART. When you write out SMART goals, you can stay focused, motivated, and on the path to achieving your business objectives. So, start setting SMART goals today and watch your progress soar!


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