"SMART" Goals

“SMART” goals will allow an individual to reach their set goals. “SMART” is an acronym for specific, measurable, attainable, results oriented, and time bound. Goals should be stated precisely, not vague. A measuring device will allow an individual to assess the extent to which the goal is accomplished. Make sure to set attainable goals that are realistic, yet challenging. End-results should support the accomplishment of your goals. In order to make your goals results orientated, start with the word to, followed by a verb such as complete, acquire, or produce. Time bound allows an individual to set a date for completion.

In the article, “Creating S.M.A.R.T. Goals”, by Paul J. Meyer, it explores a similar tactic and approach to setting your goals. In order to set specific goals, an individual must answer the six W questions: who, what, when, where, why, and which. The ability to measure your goals allows people to stay on track and reach a sense of exhilaration for being on your way to achieving your goal. When you identify goals that are most important to you, you begin to figure out ways you can make them come true, which become attainable for you. In this article, R represents realistic, not results orientated. A realistic goal is one where an individual believe they can achieve it through willingness and work. Lastly, the article says that T stands for both time and tangible. Time frames are important to get your goals accomplished faster and tangibility lets you experience it with one of the senses, that is, taste, touch, smell, sight or hearing. The importance of setting SMART goals will allow you to advance when you are setting personal goals, job orientated goals, or learning goals.

Meyer, Paul J. "Creating S.M.A.R.T. Goals." Top Achievement Articles. Goal Setting Articles. Web. 26 Feb. 2010. .