About the Game: When setting out to accomplish something, it’s effective to set a goal to help you visualize and actualize your success. Using the SMART goal method allows you to take specific steps that quantify your progress to your goal. In this article, you will learn how to set achievable and measurable goals using the SMART goal strategy. What are SMART goals? SMART is an acronym used to describe the process of setting goals. The acronym stands for the words “specific,” “measurable,” “achievable,” “relevant” and “time-bound,” which are essential traits of setting objectives. The SMART method provides a way to measure your progress and be accountable for your success. Setting SMART goals. allow you to realistically evaluate what you are trying to achieve by assessing what actions to take to reach your goal. For example, you might set a goal to “get better” at typing. However, upon evaluating this goal using the SMART method, you see that your goal is quite vague. By restating your goal in quantifiable terms, such as “be able to type more words per minute,” you have a SMART goal that can be obtained. The characteristics of this goal can then be further detailed to reflect the remaining traits of the SMART goal process. SMART Goals: Specific Measurable Attainable Relevant Time-based. How to set SMART goals. When you decide to set a goal for yourself, consider following the SMART steps to help you achieve your objectives: Make your goal specific. Make your goal measurable. Make your goal achievable. Make sure it is relevant. Create a time-bound schedule. 1. Make your goal specific. The first step in creating an attainable goal is to get specific with how you describe it. Consider it in quantifiable terms and determine what actions you need to get there. The examples below show how you can fine-tune a broad objective into a specific SMART goal. Example goal before “specific” criteria: “I want to get better at typing.” Example goal after “specific” criteria: “I want to increase my typing speed.” This example goal takes a broad statement that could present different approaches and actions—like learning the proper typing techniques or not having to look at the keyboard while typing—and makes it more specific by evaluating which aspect of typing can be set as a goal. This example can then be further evaluated to check that it fits the remaining criteria of a SMART goal. 2. Make your goal measurable. Related: How To Create Measurable Goals. Sinéad explains how to craft measurable goals and gives examples of how you can define your goals to help you to level up in your career and in life. After setting your specific goal, it is time to evaluate how you will take action to measure it. This step in the SMART process prompts you to apply methods of measuring your progress. toward achieving your goal. Being measurable also takes into account any actions you would implement to help you further your progress toward your goal. For instance, this may take the form of tracking the time it takes you to complete an action or meet a milestone. The following example shows the evolution of a broad goal into a specific and measurable one. Example goal before “measurable” criteria: “I will increase my typing speed.” Example goal after “measurable” criteria: “I would like to increase my typing speed from 50 words per minute to 65 words per minute, and I can measure my progress by taking timed tests that show the increase in my typing speed.” 3. Make your goal achievable. After writing a specific goal and evaluating how you will measure it, consider if your set objective how achievable it is. Considering how long it will take, potential obstacles, and measurement methods will all help you determine the realistic odds of achieving your set goal. The more realistic and achievable the goal, the more likely you will be to keep working toward it. Consider the following examples that illustrate a “before” and “after” effect when applying the “achievable” criteria to your goal. Example goal before “achievable” criteria: “I will increase my typing speed of 50 words per minute to 100 words per minute.” Example goal after “achievable” criteria: “I would like to increase my typing speed of 50 words per minute to 65 words per minute, and I can achieve this goal by making small increases in my typing speed each week.” This aspect of the SMART strategy also relates to your goal being measurable. goal one hack
