What are SMART Goals? How to Manage them?

It is often said that leading a life without a goal is like taking a road to nowhere. You never reach your destination. Setting goals helps you concentrate your efforts on a few ends so that you can to achieve them. Everyone needs a plan, whether they are students, in a job, entrepreneurs, or need to start a family later in life. 

The SMART framework is a way to create goals that are more effective, more likely to be achieved, and that can be tracked to determine progress. Learn how to make SMART goals and apply the principle in all aspects of your life. 

What are SMART Goals? 

SMART goals are a framework for creating goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Each element of the SMART framework serves a particular purpose. The SMART goals’ principle is not necessarily a strategy, but rather a guideline to help individuals or organizations set effective goals. 

Do They Differ from REAL Goals? 

‘REAL’ is an acronym for Relevant, Experimental, Aspirational, and Learning-Based. 

• Relevant – Indicates why it is worthwhile. 
• Experimental – Implies it is a development activity that leads to greater insight. 
• Aspirational – Identifies an area of desired development. 

• Learning-based – Expresses outcomes that are focused on gaining capability.   

SMART goals could also be REAL goals if they are learning-based, aspirational, and experimental, such as in the case of research fields. 

Why are SMART Goals Important?  

SMART goals help ensure that you are working on achievable and meaningful goals. They enable you to focus your efforts on the things that will help you achieve success in your studies or career while dropping those that don’t contribute to that success. SMART goals can also help to increase motivation and accountability. When you have a clear plan and timeline for achieving your goals, you’re more likely to stay on track and take action toward achieving them. 

How to Set a Smart Goal 

What are SMART goals, and how do you create one? Here is a quick step-by-step guideline. 

Step 1: Identify Your Objectives 

Think about what you want to achieve and why, both in the short-term and long-term. Align such goals with your values and priorities. Essentially, they should enable you to achieve your visions and missions in life. You can have more than one objective at a time. Here is an example: Do a master’s, start a business, or settle down. 

Step 2: Make Your Goals Specific 

Ensure that your goals are as specific as possible to help focus your energies on one or a few things. For example, SMART goals for students could be getting high grades and completing their studies. However, be specific about which grades and subjects you want to polish up. 

On the other hand, if your goal is to start a business, you must define the company, the market, and the product. Specific objectives are easier to focus on and measure progress toward than skirting around a wide area. 

Step 3: Ensure Your Goals are Measurable 

Your goals should be measurable, so you can keep tabs on your growth and adjust your plan as needed. Consider using quantifiable criteria, such as grades or test scores, to measure your progress toward your goals. If you are in business, you can come up with metrics to determine your success in achieving the said goals. 

Step 4: Make Sure Your Goals are Achievable 

Go for achievable goals. They should be realistic and within reach. Consider your current abilities, resources, and constraints in SMART goal setting. While it is essential to challenge yourself, set goals that you can realistically achieve with your current opportunities and strengths. 

Step 5: Ensure Your Goals are Relevant 

Your goals should be applicable to your objectives in general and agree with your values. Make sure your goals are meaningful and connected to your personal and academic aspirations. 

Step 6: Make Your Goals Time-Bound 

Finally, make sure your goals are time-bound. This means setting a deadline or timeline for achieving your goals. A clear timeline can help you stay focused and motivated. It also creates a sense of urgency to take action toward achieving your goals. 

Implementing and Managing Your SMART Goals for Success 

Now that you have the goals, the hard work involves implementing and managing them. You must also check your progress and correct any deviation from meeting them. Here are some tips for SMART goals’ management. 

Break Down Your Goals into Manageable Tasks 

Break down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks. It will help you stay motivated and make progress toward achieving your goals. Start by dividing your goals into smaller sub-goals, and then break those sub-goals down into individual tasks. This makes your goals feel less overwhelming and more achievable. 

Stay Motivated and Focused on Your Goals 

You may find it challenging to stay motivated and focused on your goals. However, a few strategies may help. Keep reminding yourself why you set these goals in the first place. Then, connect them to your larger aspirations and values. Additionally, celebrate small successes along the way and find an accountability partner or support system to help keep you on track. 

Evaluate Your Progress and Adjust Your Plan Accordingly 

You must evaluate your progress toward your goals when implementing your SMART plan. It helps you stay on task and manage your time appropriately. 

Start by setting regular check-in points to assess your progress. Make adjustments to your plan as needed based on tracking results. You may also need to revise your goals if they are no longer relevant or realistic, or adjust your timeline if you need more time to achieve your objectives. However, there should be real and formidable reasons to warrant the change. 

There is no one “best” SMART goal, as each depends on specific needs and objectives. Tailor each SMART goal to the particular situation and design it to achieve the desired outcome within the given timeframe. 

You want to spend your money, time, and effort on things that will achieve tangible results. Use the tips above to create SMART goals, implement them, and achieve them. Use the principle to improve every aspect of your life. You can always create more SMART goals when you achieve your current set. 

The University of People can help you achieve your academic and career goals through several non-degree, associate degree, and master’s degree programs. Visit our website or contact us today to find out how you can achieve your goals with us.