Goal Setting
Setting a goal you can achieve is a lot more rewarding than writing down a goal that simply looks good on paper but is never fulfilled. Take the time to craft practical and meaningful goals by using SMART guidelines.
SMART
If you’ve had any training in goal-setting, you’ve probably been introduced to the concept of SMART goals. This acronym is a way to remember that an effective goal is:
- Specific: Goals should be specific, clear, and concrete, and actively describe the desired outcome. If a goal is not specific, it won’t be measurable. Use action words such as identify, list, perform, demonstrate, show, or calculate. Words such as understand, appreciate, know, and learn are typically too vague to make effective goals.
- Measurable: Goals must be measurable. A measurable goal is one that has definite criteria for its success. A good rule for determining a goal’s measurability is to answer the question, “How will I know whether the goal has been accomplished?”
- Achievable: Goals need to be realistically achievable. You should be able to attain your goal by exerting a practical amount of effort with a reasonable amount of time, resources, and opportunity.
- Relevant: Goals need to have meaning or value – to an organization, a team, or an individual. When a goal has relevance, achieving it makes a difference, facilitates a change, or makes an improvement. Rarely will you set a goal just for the sake of setting it.
- Time-bound: Goals should be time-bound; they need to have definite starting points, durations, and ending points. In other words, think about timelines and deadlines when setting goals. These factors will also help you measure the outcome of a goal.
If you set your goals properly and include the necessary components, you’ll have a better chance of success. Write down your goal, the steps necessary to achieve it, and chart your progress.
How do you eat an elephant?
Teaching goal setting to children is important to help them understand what a goal is and how to accomplish the goal. Remember to teach them on their level of understanding – They may not be ready for the entire SMART concept, but you can guide them and help them set appropriate goals to accomplish. As they mature, they will learn more of the SMART concept and how to apply it. By teaching them to set and achieve goals not only have you given them something that will benefit them their entire life, but you have accomplished a great goal yourself – Congratulations!