How often do you set goals and see them through to the end? It can sometimes be difficult to stay motivated to complete objectives with everything that happens in our daily lives. You can prepare and accomplish any goal using the tried-and-true SMART goal-setting method!

SMART Goals

There are several variations of the SMART philosophy, but all of them focus on the idea that these steps can make your goals attainable through dedication and desire. SMART goals consist of the following definitions:

Specific

A clear and defined purpose that is detailed and understood thoroughly. Specify what you want to do and what it means to accomplish the goal. The more specific you can get, the more invested you will become, and it makes it easier for you to plan. 

Measurable

How will you know your progress towards a goal? You can track how far along you are to accomplish your goals through precise actions and definitions. Instead of a goal like “get healthy,” define what that means. Does it mean exercising for a specific number of hours every week? Ensure you know what will be considered a success to see when you have achieved your goals.

Achievable

Make sure your goals are attainable but not easy. Experiencing the complexity of what it takes to achieve your goals will help you learn and grow and appreciate the joy of accomplishment. Be realistic and look to balance the challenge with that realism to keep you on track.

Relevant

The goals you make should connect to where you want to be in both life and your career. Aligning your goals with what you want most will make them more meaningful and can increase the chances of completing them. Keep it focused and keep it relevant.

Time-Bound

Setting a specific deadline is essential. It helps you to know when you should be celebrating success and gives you a timeline for planning the steps to fulfilling your goals. It can also help you create a sense of urgency to your goals.

Using SMART goals, you can plan and move forward on accomplishing personal and career-based goals to further your growth and skills while getting where you want to be on your terms.