How to Write a SMART Goal

by Benay Dyor | Sep 5, 2011 

The SMART goal-setting model is a tried and tested technique for creating effective goals for yourself.

To create a SMART goal, follow these 4 rules.

Make each goal:

S – Simple/Specific

Keep your goal simple and focused, rather than wordy and vague. Be very specific about the outcome you want.

M – Measurable

How will you know when your goal has been reached? What will be different? How will you measure it? What will you look like? What will you tell yourself? What will people say? What will you feel?

A – Attractive

Does this goal inspire you? Is it exciting enough to keep you enthusiastic in both the long and short term?

R – Realistic

The goal must be realistically achievable. For example, it’s not very realistic to expect to win Wimbledon at the age of 35 if you have never picked up a tennis racket. Ask yourself, has someone done this before? If no one has, ask, can I really do this? 

T – Timed as if now

Include the date your goal will be realised but state your goal as if it’s already been achieved. This trains the unconscious mind to accept the goal as real, which helps you to move more effectively towards it.

EXAMPLE

SMART Goal for “Career/Business”

It is 11 October 2018 and I have already sold 20 copies of my new product, the Coaching Tool Kit.

SMART Goal for “Health and Fitness”

It is the morning of 14 December 2017; I feel fit and look amazing. I am standing on the scales in my bathroom and the dial is pointing to my ideal weight of 143 lbs/65kgs.

Here is an exercise you can do at home to get you started.

EXERCISE

Write one SMART Goal for each area of your life.

1.    Career/Business

2.    Friends and Family

3.    Fun, Recreation and Entertainment

4.    Health and Fitness

5.    Personal & Spiritual Development

6.    Physical Environment

7.    Finances and Wealth

8.    Love Life

SMART goals are a simple but effective tool especially when used within a good personal development plan – they are powerful stuff!

When you have complete clarity about what you need to do and why it’s much easier to turn your dreams into reality.