A S.M.A.R.T goal is one with the following features; S-specific, M-measurable, A-achievable, R-realistic, and T-timely. This is how the acronym S.M.A.R.T has been derived.
- Specific: Making your goals specific allows for clarity by detecting and defining your core desire. For instance, ‘I want to lose 20 lbs’ is clearer and more specific than ‘I want to lose weight’. If a goal is too general, it causes difficulties is developing a workable plan. To set a specific goal you need answer the “W” questions.
• Who: The people involve.
• What: What you want to accomplish.
• Where: Select a location.
• When: A specific time frame.
• Which: Limitations, constraints and requirements.
• Why: Benefits, reasons or purpose of accomplishing the goal. - Measurable: Measurement is important in Goal-Setting as it detects the amount of success from a specific goal. For instance, you are delivering a speech in a gathering, your goal might be to increase your authority and influence or to change people’s mind. You can look for way to measure the outcome of your speech with respect to the set goal. Also, one making a television appearance might have the goal of selling his products, and his outcome can be measured easily by the number of products sold after the appearance.
With these questions you can determine if your goal is measurable;
• How many?
• How much?
• How will I know when it’s accomplished? - Achievable: Firstly, you identify goals that are more important to you. Secondly, you start searching for appropriate methods to make it come true. Thirdly, you develop the skills, abilities, attitude, and the financial capacity to reach them. Any goal can be achieved, even those that seem far away and unachievable from the onset begin to draw closer if the steps are arranged wisely with a suitable time frame
- Realistic: A goal is said to be realistic when it provides an objective towards which you are both able and willing to work. Only you can say just how high your can should be. A high goal is more achievable as it attracts more motivational force compared to a low goal will a negligible motivational goal. Your goal is realistic if only you believe that it can be accomplished.
- Timely: Time is limited, so therefore it so be managed accurately. A goal should be planned within an appropriate time frame as this will trigger a sense of urgency and eliminate all forms of procrastination. For instance, you are a student and you want a good grade in Mathematics, when do you have to start studying? How long do you have to study per day? These questions will help you achieve your goal.
(T) can also mean Tangible: A tangible goal is one with a sense we can actually experience. A sense such as, touch, smell, hearing or taste. A tangible goal is easily attainable as it measurable and also specific.
Every single one of these features (S.M.A.R.T) should be goal oriented. You should have a clear outcome in mind before the actual event takes place and you should set goals for your public speech even before you deliver it.
Some techniques:
These techniques can be used in conjunction with S.M.A.R.T to achieve our desired goals.
1) State in positive: This involves using words that tell what you want and what you don’t want. For instance, replacing “I might not succeed” with “I will succeed”
2) Envision: Envision what your life would look like when you have achieved your goal. With all your senses involve visualised the blissful and accomplished future.
Your Goal may be one of the following:
• Graduate with a good result.
• Inspire others with your deeds.
• Change people’s thinking in a certain way.
• Sell a certain quantity of your products.
• Sign a specific number of contracts.
If you are one who do not set goals for themselves, please start doing so. It is only through set goals you can really measure your outcomes and performance and determine how well you did. Also, having an ambitious and clear goal is the best way to develop delivering.
