Smart Goals 

 

Introduction

As we know goals are one of the important components of success and goals are important in every human life. A dream of success without setting goals is nothing but a futile wish. While setting goals we should keep certain principles in mind. These are called Smart Goals Framework. In this article, we will try to know in detail about Smart Goals What is Smart Goals Framework? And how can we use this framework to set achievable goals for ourselves?

What are smart goals?

In 1981, Doran published the article “There’s a S.M.A.R.T. Way to Write Management’s Goals and Objectives,” which presented a framework for effective goal setting.
This framework is used for individual and small team goals. According to this framework, each goal must be defined as specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
s: Our goals should be obvious
m: Make our goals measurable
a: Our goals are achievable
R: Our goals should be tailored to our interests and fit for us
Our target time

How does it work?

In fact, the Smart Goals framework works under five principles, which are detailed below.
The word SMART is made up of five letters and each letter stands for a different principle. Or we can say that the word smart is an acronym for five principles.

1) S (Specific)

The first letter of the word smart is S. Which means that our goals are very clear to us. While setting goals we should make sure that the goals we set for ourselves are really important to us or not. If our goals are clear, we will develop consistency and patience. And we will be protected from problems like discouragement.

2. M (Measurable)

The second letter of the word smart is M. Which means our goal should be measurable. And we can measure our progress. That is, we should have a clear knowledge of how much effort we have put in to achieve our goals and how much more effort and resources are needed. We can understand the importance of this principle from the following example.
Example: If a person claims that they want to lose 5 kg in the next 6 months, this is a clear and measurable goal. That is, this person can plan an exercise and diet plan for the next 6 months. And can measure your efforts and results every week.

3: A (Attainable)

The third letter of the word smart is A. This principle is based on our goals being achievable and realistic. That is, our goals should be in line with our available resources and capabilities. Or to put it more simply, our goals are realistic. That is, don’t be unrealistic and just imaginary.
For example, if a person wants to lose 10 kg in 1 month without exercise, this may be an unrealistic goal. Whereas a person can lose 10 kg weight by exercising 3 hours daily and consuming proper nutrition in 6 months. So this is a clear and achievable goal.

4:R (Relevant)

 

R is the fourth letter of the word SMART, which means that we should aim for fit. When setting our goals, we should keep in mind the principle that our goals are consistent with our interests and preferences. When our goals are appropriate, we will not be discouraged by repeated failures even if we do not succeed. This principle helps us to be consistent. If our goals are not aligned, we may face problems like wasted time, failure, and discouragement.

5: T (Time-bound)

T is the fifth letter of the word smart, which means that our goals are time-bound. Under this principle,, we set a deadline for ourselves when planning our goals. Which motivates us to complete our tasks on time instead of procrastinating. And instills habits like consistency. When we set a deadline for ourselves, we worry about completing our work before that deadline. Which protects us from problems like laziness and laziness.
For example, if a person says that sometimes he wants to increase his knowledge by reading an excellent book. So it is not a (time-bound) goal. Studying a book for 1 hour per day is a target according to a deadline.

This model emphasizes that goals should be realistic and attainable, which addresses the problem of failures and disappointments that result from overly ambitious goals.

By defining specific and measurable goals, this model helps hold individuals and teams accountable. It encourages regular reviews and changes as needed.

Smart frameworks are used in many contexts, such as business, education, and personal development, making them a wide range of applications.
But has become an adopted tool

Overall, the SMART model was designed to improve the process of setting objectives so that they can be achieved more efficiently and systematically.

Some Important Questions According to SMART Goals

According to the SMART Goals framework, we can ask ourselves the following questions when setting goals that are directly related to the impact of our success or failure.

Are my goals achievable?
Why do I want to achieve these goals?
Is my “why” very clear or not?
Are my goals aligned with my interests?
Are the goals I want to achieve compatible with my ideas?
How long will it take me to achieve my goals?