Set SMART goals in 2023

For most of us, the new year means a new me; this “new me” means “my ideal self”. But for most of us, the scenario remains the same.

According to FranklinCovey, who works on time management, one-third of those who set new goals for the new year, unfortunately, find it difficult even at the end of January to implement these decisions.

In this article, we would like to tell you how you can make your goals more sustainable with the SMART method.

SMART is a term created by combining the words "Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely",  and used as a criterion for defining targets in Project management. A target that cannot be measured according to the SMART method is not a target. 

Let's take a closer look at the elements that make up the SMART method:

SPECIFIC

Your goal must be clear and specific, otherwise, you will not be able to focus your efforts and be truly motivated to achieve it. As you prepare your goal, try to answer the five "W" questions:

• What do I want to do? – (What)
• Why is this purpose important? – (why)
• Who is attending? – (Who)
• Where is it located? – (Where)
• What resources or limits are there? – (Which)

Example: Imagine that you are currently a marketing manager and you want to become a marketing manager. A specific goal is “To become a marketing manager in my organization, I must gain the necessary skills and experience so I can build my career and lead a successful team.” it could be.

MEASURABLE

It's important to have measurable goals so you can track your progress and stay motivated. Evaluating progress helps you stay focused, get things done on time, and feel excited about reaching your goal. A measurable goal should address questions such as:

• How much (money)?
• How many?
• How will I know when it is successful?

Example: You can measure your goal of acquiring the skills to become a marketing officer by determining that you have completed the required training courses and will gain relevant experience within five years.

ACHIEVABLE

Your goal also needs to be realistic and achievable. In other words, it should challenge your abilities but still be possible. When you set an achievable goal, you can identify previously overlooked opportunities or resources that have brought it closer to you. An achievable goal usually answers questions such as:

• How can I achieve this goal?
• How realistic is the target based on other constraints such as financial factors?

Example: You should ask yourself whether it is realistic to develop the skills necessary to become head of marketing based on your current experience and qualifications. For example, do you have time to effectively complete the required training? Are the necessary resources available to you? Do you have the financial strength to do this?

RELEVANT

This step is to make sure your purpose is important to you. We all need support and help in achieving our goals, but it is important that we maintain control over them. Thus, make sure your plans get everyone moving forward, but you are still responsible for achieving your own goal. A related target might answer “yes” to these questions:

• Does this seem valuable?
• Is this the right time?
• Does this fit our other efforts/needs?
• Am I the right person to achieve this goal?
• Is it applicable in the current socio-economic environment?

Example: You may want to gain the skills necessary to become a marketing executive. But is it the right time to get the necessary training and learn extra qualifications? Are you the right person for this role? Have you taken your partner's goals into account? For example; If you want to start a family, does taking this training in your spare time make things difficult?

TIME-BOUND

You need to have a deadline to focus on. This part of the SMART goal criteria helps prevent your daily tasks from prioritizing over your long-term goals. A time-bound goal will usually answer the following questions:

• When?
• What can I do six months from now?
• What can I do six weeks from now?
• What can I do today?

Example: As we mentioned earlier, gaining the skills to become a marketing officer may require additional training or experience. How long will it take you to acquire these skills? Do you need more training to qualify for certain exams or qualifications? The little things needed to reach your ultimate goal.

If you want to open a new page for yourself with our mentorship program in the new year, you can begin here