This post may use affiliate links from Amazon and other retailers which earn us a commission for any purchases made through them. This is done at no extra cost to you and we thank you for the support. Learn more.
Setting and achieving goals gives our lives direction. But let’s be honest, we’ve all set goals that we never even started, right? It can be frustrating to set your sights high, only to fall short. This is where smart goal setting comes in to provide a framework for success.
This approach to smart goal setting provides clarity and structure, increasing the likelihood of achieving your objectives. It helps by creating goals that are actionable, not just something you vaguely desire.
I have used this method of setting smart goals in many ways from packing on 40lbs of muscle over the years to building this blog itself. Let’s explore what SMART goals are and how this technique can help you get to where you want to be in any endeavor.
What is SMART Goal Setting?
SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.
It is a popular method for setting goals and provides a simple but powerful framework that helps turn your aspirations into actual achievements.
It emphasizes the need for clarity and focus in goal setting. Using these five criteria will help you set clear and attainable goals while also making it easier to stay focused, track your progress, and achieve the results you want.
To craft a goal that’s sharply focused, try this template:
I aim to hit [a specific target] within [a clear timeframe]. I plan to get there by [set concrete actions]. And when I succeed, I’ll reap [a tangible benefit].
Now let’s break down each element:
Specific
This means being very clear and precise about what you want to achieve. Your goal shouldn’t be vague like “lose weight.”
Instead, it should answer questions like:
- What needs to be accomplished?
- Who’s responsible for it?
- What steps need to be taken to achieve it?
When you ask yourself questions like these, it really gets to the heart of the issue you want to tackle.
A specific goal will help you create a plan that actually gets you to that goal.
Whereas a vague goal will get you vague results.
Measurable
Being specific is a solid start, but quantifying your goals and making sure they’re measurable makes it way easier to track your progress and know when you’ve reached the finish line.
Start by establishing clear criteria for tracking your progress and gauging your success. You should incorporate measurable and trackable benchmarks.
Tangible metrics could be something like “Reduce body fat by 3%,” instead of “Get healthier.”
Having clearly defined metrics allows you to track your progress effectively.
Achievable
This is the time for a reality check and it’s often where people go astray. I’ve seen it on both ends of the spectrum too.
While it’s great to aim high, make sure your goals are realistic and within your capabilities with your available resources and limitations.
At the same time, you don’t want to keep yourself from pushing your limits to new heights.
It can be a fine line, but this is a great time to actually identify where that line is for yourself and push it just a little bit further to force yourself to grow.
Breaking down large goals into smaller milestones is a great way to get started. This not only makes the goal feel less daunting but it also creates a sense of accomplishment along the way and that just fuels your motivation to keep going.
Relevant
Here’s where you really need to think about the overall big picture.
Why are you even setting the goal that you’re setting?
How does it serve your life and benefit the others around you?
And if you’re a Christian like me, then how does this glorify and serve God?
Your goals should align with your overall objectives and aspirations. Each goal should directly contribute to your broader vision for yourself and be in sync with other priorities in your life.
Don’t set goals that you don’t really care about and aren’t beneficial.
Time-Bound
Set a deadline for yourself to create a sense of urgency and accountability.
This helps prevent procrastination and gives you a clear timeframe to work within. It also motivates you to take action.
Having a deadline injects a dose of motivation, helping you prioritize the goal and make consistent progress.
How To Set SMART Goals: A Step-by-Step Guide and Example
Now that we have kind of laid out what SMART goals are, let’s take those SMART goals criteria and look at how to turn that ambition into tangible action.
Below we’ll work through an example, feel free to adapt this to your own goals or use it if it applies to you.
1) Start With Your Desire
Identify what you want to achieve. Let’s say your broad goal is “Build more muscle”.
But remember we can’t stop there. Now let’s get into where the magic happens.
2) Step-by-Step SMART Goal Setting Outline:
Specific:
- Define the goal: “I want to gain 5 pounds of muscle.”
- Details: Focus on strength training exercises and a protein-rich diet.
Measurable:
- Determine how to measure progress: Track body weight, body measurements, and strength improvements.
- Tool: Use a fitness app or journal to log workouts and diet.
Achievable:
- Assess current fitness level: Can currently lift moderate weights and maintain a balanced diet.
- Plan: Follow a structured workout routine and nutrition plan.
Relevant:
- Align with broader goals: Building muscle aligns with the goal of improving physical fitness and overall health.
- Purpose: Increasing muscle mass will enhance strength, endurance, and physical appearance. It will also allow me to become more physically capable in my life.
Time-bound:
- Set a deadline: Achieve the muscle gain goal in 12 weeks.
- Milestones:
- Week 1-4: Focus on foundational strength training, dietary adjustments, and building discipline.
- Week 5-8: Increase workout intensity and protein intake.
- Week 9-12: Optimize training and nutrition to reach the final goal.
Summary SMART Goal: “I will gain 5 pounds of muscle in 12 weeks by honestly and strictly sticking to a structured strength training routine and a protein-rich diet while tracking my progress with a fitness app or journal.”
3. Break It Down Further (If Needed)
Large goals are better achieved through smaller steps. These intermediate milestones make a challenging goal feel more attainable.
It’s like they say, how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
Benefits Of Smart Goal Setting
SMART goal setting offers many benefits that go beyond simply achieving your objectives.
Clarity & Focus
The SMART approach removes ambiguity by defining a clear destination and path. This clarity helps prevent getting sidetracked and makes it easier to focus on what truly matters.
It’s easy to waste time on things that don’t contribute to your overall goals, right?
*Cough. Like scrolling Instagram for way too long. *Cough.
Avoid this by using the SMART goals system and discipline to stay focused.
Increased Motivation & Commitment
A study by NSLS Foundation shows students who set goals for themselves and set aside time to plan and monitor their progress, were far more likely to reach their goals.
They are more invested in putting in the effort required. And we’re not just talking about students here, this applies to all of us.
Improved Time Management
SMART goals compel you to establish timelines, allocate your time wisely, and track your progress. This disciplined approach prevents wasted effort.
Enhanced Self-Discipline
Sticking to a structured plan with deadlines requires dedication and a strong will to overcome procrastination and distractions.
Having a plan and sticking to it does wonders for staying disciplined, which can positively impact other areas of your life.
The Power of Writing Down Your Goals
As much as having a clear objective in mind helps, how you set those goals is actually critically important to being successful, and something many never realize. In fact, writing your goals down has actually been scientifically proven to help reach your goals at a much higher rate than those that don’t.
When we write them down it moves them from a fleeting thought to a tangible plan. Seeing them regularly serves as a consistent reminder, reinforcing commitment. Consider creating a vision board with your goals written out and placed somewhere you’ll see it daily.
FAQs about smart goal setting
What are 5 smart goals?
Here are five examples of Smart Goals you could set. Remember these are just to give you an idea.
- Financial: Save $5,000 for a down payment on a new car in 12 months by setting aside $417 each month.
- Career: Enhance leadership skills by completing a leadership training program by [Target Date].
- Education: Complete a certification course to enhance job skills and marketability. This will increase your value and lead to more opportunities.
- Personal Growth: Improve communication skills by joining a public speaking club and participating in weekly meetings for six months.
- Health and Fitness: Lose 10 pounds of body fat by incorporating a consistent workout regimen 3-4 days a week, combined with a sustainable nutrition plan, within the next three months.
What are the 5 rules for setting goals SMART?
The 5 rules are in the acronym.
| Acronym | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Specific | State exactly what you intend to achieve. |
| Measurable | Ensure the goal is quantifiable with defined metrics to measure progress. |
| Achievable | Set goals that are realistic and within reach. |
| Relevant | Make sure goals align with your overall objectives and values. |
| Time-bound | Assign a deadline to each goal. |
What are the 7 steps to set a SMART goal?
Here’s 7 Steps that Brian Tracy, a well-respected personal development guru says are critical:
- Decide exactly what you want, write it down, and be specific.
- Set a deadline and create sub-deadlines if needed.
- Identify obstacles and figure out how you’ll overcome them.
- Identify the people or groups you’ll need to work with.
- Create a list of everything you need to do to accomplish the goal.
- Organize the list by both sequence and priority.
- Take action on your plan by completing the first task.
Why is SMART goal setting important?
Setting and achieving ambitious goals doesn’t only rely on passion or effort; it often comes down to strategy.
In addition, smart goal setting isn’t just some random idea someone came up with; it provides you with the direction and motivation you need to stay committed and overcome challenges effectively.
By creating this clear roadmap toward achieving your goals, you make the whole journey less stressful and are far more likely to achieve what you set out to accomplish.
And trust me, achieving a goal that’s challenged you is one of the most rewarding things you can experience. It gives you a true sense of accomplishment.
Wrapping Up SMART Goal Setting
So whether your ambitions are focused on fitness, preparedness, self-improvement, or your faith, SMART goal setting will be incredibly beneficial. SMART goal setting doesn’t just happen; it’s a process that takes work and practice to get right.
Remember this crucial fact: how you go about SMART goal setting is just as critical to success as the goals themselves. I urge you to give this a shot; not just mentally, but put it on paper, and see for yourself the power of transforming your dreams into a reality.
