Goal setting is a natural and even expected practice, particularly for college students and those seeking to make a career change, but it can get overwhelming at times. Finding structure to accomplish tasks and set objectives can become muddled through differences in expectations and unclear ideas of the desired outcome. Using a system like SMART goals can assist in this practice. This comprehensive guide will provide a foundation for understanding the creation process of SMART goals, in a general sense and in academic settings.
What Is a SMART Goal?
A SMART goal is the result of implementing a system that guides users through proactive goal creation to produce a desired outcome. Setting a SMART goal means working through a process as well as understanding a concept by utilizing a mnemonic tool to define and measure actionable steps.
What Does Smart Stand For?
According to Study.com, SMART is an acronym that stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based.
So, what are the characteristics of SMART goals? you may be asking yourself. Each component of a SMART goal is expressed in the name. Various metrics equal the acronym, which can be broken down as follows:
Specific: A goal that is measured and defined is more attainable than an abstract one. Individuals, as well as team and group members, should understand a goal that is clear and succinct.
Measurable: Tangible steps or milestones put in place for a project can allow for progress to be monitored. Placing time markers in this step can benefit external teams as well as a means of efficient progress tracking.
Attainable: Manageable expectations should be put in place for a task or project, and not set too high or too low.
Relevant: Goals and the subsequent actions taken to achieve them should contribute toward a larger goal or should work to align several factions of a company or project.
Time-based: Deadlines and end dates should be implemented for both accountability and later evaluation.
It should be noted that other variations of the SMART goal acronym are applicable to the system. Some variations of the mnemonic can provide a wider range of serviceability, such as:
What does S stand for? Specific, stretchable, strategic
What does M stand for? Measurable, meaningful
What does A stand for? Achievable, attainable, actionable, acceptable
What does R stand for? Relevant, realistic, rewarding, reachable
What does T stand for? Time-based, timely, time Sensitive
Who Created SMART Goals?
As a learning tool, SMART goals are a concept established in decades past. One of the earliest mentions stems from the late Dr. George T. Doran, who published an article in 1981 titled "There's a S.M.A.R.T. Way to Write Management's Goals and Objectives." The scope focuses on streamlining management styles to align with common goals. In a previous interview with Dr. Doran, he notes his work is “a tool to get results.” While he saw success applying SMART goals in the management space, the applicability of his ideas later would expand into other areas.
Why Are SMART Goals Important?
Structure is a catalyst for progress, and SMART goals provide an established method of working toward a common goal. In his famous article, Dr. Doran notes that goals are mirrored with objectives, and understanding the process for creating them ultimately clears up miscommunications, facilitating a streamlined and clear workflow for all parties. He also discusses the importance of establishing teamwork to promote success, which can be applied on an interpersonal level to accomplish a goal.
How To Write a Smart Goal
SMART goal objectives can be personal or professional, and mastering the process of writing a SMART goal involves working through the steps in succession. Study.com notes that accomplishing each step in the designated order eases communication between parties working toward common objectives while maintaining a healthy pace.
Before tackling the steps, creating an objective will provide the foundation for working through the construction of a good SMART goal. Forming SMART goals in education can mirror the efficiency of implementing them in business, and this example will utilize business administration as a subject, with the intention of working as a project management specialist. An example of SMART goals in education can look like this:
Objective: I want to earn a degree.
While this is a prestigious goal, the objective is vague and requires more detail. Following the SMART metrics, the goal in question can be achieved in the following fashion:
Specific — Research degree programs to find one that coincides with the desired outcome. Narrow it down based on details that spurn from both preference and practicality. The BLS handbook notes that a business degree is a practical step in working toward a project management career, for example.
New SMART goal: I want to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
Measurable — Look at the requirements for the program, from class specifications to financial components, and the steps that can act as milestones for the process. Exploring a timeline can also help create quantifiable progress measurements.
New SMART goal: I want to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration by taking classes through a four-year online program.
Attainable — A degree program’s attainability can depend on acceptance, scheduling, and other factors that contribute to a realistic goal. Take a look at personal factors when setting this goal, and create a plan of action.
New SMART goal: I want to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration by taking classes through a four-year online program, where I will take a certain number of classes per week.
Relevant — Choose classes that are relevant to personal interests or desired job skills. If a student wants to earn a degree in business administration, the course load can include classes such as accounting and business.
New SMART goal: I want to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree in business administration through an online program, where I will take a certain number of classes per week and focus on business and finance courses.
Time-Based — Determine the time frame for graduation, hours allocated to classes and coursework, and other potential allowances and constraints. These tasks can also be enforced through a teamwork element — in this example, an academic advisor or mentor can provide accountability and keep the journey on track.
New SMART goal: I want to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree in business administration through an online program, where I will take a certain number of classes a week and focus on business and finance courses. My courses will start in the upcoming spring semester, and I will meet with an academic advisor once per semester to evaluate my progress.
Now, the new objective contains exact details, measurable steps for execution, and a realistic timeline that follows a pattern that encourages successful completion.
Overview: Creating and Mastering SMART Goals
Having a constructive grasp on effective goal setting is a beneficial practice in a variety of settings. By applying the principles of SMART goal creation to an educational career, current and prospective students can benefit from a foundation that provides structure and actionable steps to achieve success.
Full SMART Goals Infographic
