The Power of Goal Setting: A Guide to SMART Objectives

Zig Ziglar, a renowned author on goal setting, once said:

If you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time.

This statement emphasizes the critical role of setting goals in our lives. Having a plan and not meeting it is much better than not having one in the first place. If you don’t have one, there is a 100% chance that you’ll miss it.

If you do set a goal, there is at least a non-zero chance that you’ll meet it. The way you define the purpose and even the way you word it up can have a big impact on you achieving it. Another quote from Ziglar that puts it succinctly:

A goal properly set is halfway reached.

This article delves into the power of SMARTER objectives—goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound, Emotional, and Reviewed.

SMART Goals Defined

SMART is an acronym introduced by George T. Doran in 1981, representing:

• S: Specific
• M: Measurable
• A: Achievable
• R: Relevant
• T: Time-bound

Let’s break down each component to understand how it contributes to effective goal-setting.

Specific: Navigating the Path with Precision

If you’ve defined your goal to be at least a little challenging, there will come a time during your pursuit of it, when you’ll feel tired, or lazy, or sometimes the goal may all of a sudden start looking silly and you’ll start to question why you chose it.

In those times of weakness, the more vaguely defined your goal is, the easier it will be for you to find loopholes in it and give it up, or redefine it – usually to a lower standard. Specific, as the term implies, requires that you word it so that it is difficult for you to find loopholes in it later.

The example: if you want to lose weight, don’t just set a goal “to lose weight.” Make it “lose 15 lb” or whatever exact number you choose. This is still not a well-defined goal. Read on to improve this goal further.

In a professional setting, aiming for a promotion should not be as broad as “get promoted.” It should be refined to something like “get promoted to Senior Engineer.

Measurable: Progress Unveiled

Peter Drucker’s famous quote, “What gets measured, gets managed,” underscores the importance of measurable goals. If you can measure your progress, you can adjust your approach as needed. Just as a blindfolded walk towards an unseen target becomes more achievable with periodic adjustments, so does a goal when you can track your progress.

Consider the weight loss goal of 15 pounds. Measuring your weight regularly provides immediate feedback and allows for necessary course corrections. Similarly, if your goal is to become a Senior Engineer, break it down into measurable steps like meeting specific project goals or sales targets.

Achievable: Striking the Perfect Balance

Goals must be challenging enough to motivate but not so difficult that they become demoralizing. An achievable goal lies just beyond the limits of what is easily attainable. If a plan is too easy, it lacks the drive to push you forward. Conversely, an unattainable goal can lead to frustration.

For instance, if losing 15 pounds seems too easy based on past experiences, consider adjusting the goal to losing 20 pounds. Similarly, when aspiring for a promotion, ensure it aligns with your current standing in the organization and realistic timeframes.

Explore various definitions of the A in SMART goals, such as Assignable or Action-oriented, on SMART criteria. Choose the one that resonates with you most and stick to it, as the specific word matters less than the underlying intent.

Relevant: Your Goals, Your Vision

Relevance ensures that your goals align with your aspirations rather than being influenced by external factors. Goals should be your own, reflecting your desires and ambitions. Avoid letting others dictate your objectives.

For example, question whether the motivation behind a weight loss goal is rooted in personal health or a comment made at a recent gathering. Similarly, evaluate if the desire for a promotion is genuinely aligned with your career aspirations.

Time-Bound: Adding Urgency to Aspirations

A goal without a deadline lacks urgency and may lead to procrastination. Including a timeframe enhances commitment and provides a sense of urgency. Whether it’s losing 20 pounds or achieving a promotion, specifying a deadline adds a crucial dimension to your goals.

For instance, refine the weight loss goal to “Lose 20 pounds by Dec 31, 2024, with a monthly target of 2 pounds starting Feb 1, 2024.”

The promotion goal can be reworded to say “Get promoted to Senior Engineer by Sep 30, 2024.” This one is still a little tricky because implied in it are all those sub-targets that need to be achieved to meet the goal. They are not explicitly listed here but are needed to track (“Measure”) your progress towards your goal.

You’ll find different words for T in SMART as well. Check out the same Wikipedia link shared above. They all are essentially the same. As before, pick the word that makes the most sense to you and stick with it. Importantly, whatever you call it, give your goals a time limit.

Variations: SMARTER Goals for Lasting Impact

Over time, variations like Emotional and Reviewed have been added to SMART, making goals SMARTER.

• Emotional implies that goals should resonate with personal emotions, adding an inspiring element.
• Reviewed means you should check them now and then to ensure they still make sense.

Even though l like these two additions, the intent of both is embedded in the original SMART. If your goal is Relevant, it should be Emotional, and if you’ve given it some thought initially, a frequent review might unnecessarily provoke you to change it when the going gets tougher. I’d rather stick to SMART goals.

Conclusion: Charting a Course to Success

In the words of Benjamin Mays, “The tragedy in life doesn’t lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goals to reach.” Setting and defining goals in a SMART manner significantly increases the likelihood of success. Adopt this approach to transform your aspirations into achievable milestones.