Structure can bring certainty to life, replacing chaos with certainty. Having a systemic framework to chase life goals, both big and small, can have a tremendous impact on the final outcome. The SMART goal framework is a great example of one such framework that can drastically recalibrate one's perspective and approach. Before looking for ways to apply SMART goals practically, we need to fundamentally understand the concept from the basic level.

What are SMART Goals?

SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. To completely understand this framework, we need to understand every facet in granular detail.

Specific

Goals need to very clearly defined as to what is the desired endgame. The ‘what', ‘who', ‘where', 'when', and ‘how' need to be mentioned. There should be little to no room for others to interpret what it may mean. Specificity will help eliminate ambiguity and provide a clear pathway. For instance, stating “We need more sales this year” is rather vague but saying “We need to increase our B2B sales by 10% every quarter” is more specific.

Measurable

Goals should have a measurable or trackable element. This could mean adding quantifiable metrics or milestones to the picture. This boosts accountability and makes tracking progress easier. For instance, instead of saying “We need to improve order make time”, saying “We need to reduce the average order prep time of a Happy Meal by 45 seconds” can add a real-time challenge to the goal.

Achievable

Goals set should be grounded in reality. It has to be ensured that the goals are realistic and attainable. This keeps frustration at bay and the team motivated. As an example, a startup barely raking in 100,000 dollars a year cannot set an annual revenue milestone of $10 million in the very next year.

Relevant

It is also important for the goals to be aligned with the overarching ‘big picture'. For instance, the marketing department should ensure that its goals match the annual organizational targets and objectives. If you are an individual, your daily goals should align with your monthly and yearly ones. 

Time Bound

Adding time to the equation can create urgency and help prioritize tasks better. Having a real tangible deadline for every goal can create a timeframe for completion. For example, saying  “We will achieve 25% of goals every quarter” is a good example of adding a timeframe. 

How Can I Convert My Goals Into SMART Goals?

Suppose you are a student who aims to pursue nursing in the near term, you can set an actionable SMART goal like “I will research fast track nursing programs online and enroll within 3 months”. If you are a marketing head and wish to improve your ROI (Return On Investment) on social media advertising, you can set a goal like: “Decrease the cost-per-click (CPC) by 15% and improve click-through rates (CTR) to at least 2% within three months”. 

To convert any goal into a SMART goal, ensure that it has a fixed deadline, a measurable outcome, a realistic target, and a very specific action point.

How to Overcome Obstacles

The pursuit of chasing goals can be a draining process. The adrenaline running high in the early stages can run dry as time passes. The constant flow of motivation may not be as constant as it may seem. In such circumstances, having a strong ‘why' can help alleviate matters. That is why being specific in goal setting is of vital importance.  

Another common issue is fear of failure. An individual may drift towards visualizing the worst possible outcome when things go south. The goals that seemed easy in the beginning may feel daunting now. While setting the goals, try to pay close to ‘A' in SMART. Another way to tackle this could be by breaking down goals into smaller chunks, making them less intimidating.

To stay on track and persevere till the very end, keep tracking and visualizing the progress made so far. Don't forget to celebrate the little milestones along the way to add fuel to your drive to succeed. Set weekly or monthly check-ins to monitor progress and adjust the plan if needed. Doing all this can also give a boost to your health and personal fulfillment.

SMART goals can change the way you approach tasks and targets. Following the framework can have a positive impact on productivity. It is important to set goals that are not vague, can be quantified, are realistic, are linked to the big picture, and are time-bound. Ensuring this can help you navigate the tougher moments better by driving your motivation and battling your fears and apprehensions more strongly.