Why Set Smart Goals?

Why SMART goals? Because wishing doesn't work! While it's possible to bring about an outcome without formally setting goals, it's much less efficient.

If you're not familiar with this concept, you will be by the time you've finished reading. But...

You might be asking, why do we need goals in the first place? After all, you probably didn't set a goal of breathing today, yet I'm pretty sure you've taken at least one breath.

There are many studies that link improved motivation with setting goals, and it's one of the most popular motivation techniques in the workplace and elsewhere. With respect to personal goal setting, I've done a post on the importance of goal setting which you might find useful.

The Need For Goals

In short, goals accelerate growth. The right goals keep you focused, and on the path to success.

By and large, more successful people set goals, and less successful people don't.

I'm listing some goal setting book recommendations here as well.

With your goals in place, you'll be able to utilize resources more effectively, stay on target, and ultimately, be more successful in whatever it is you do.

At the risk of stating the obvious... it's much more likely that goal-oriented, focus-based action will produce a desired outcome. The clearer and more defined your goals are, the more effective your actions will be.

Part of the theory behind SMART goals, if I can sum it up in a nutshell (a dangerous thing to do!), is a key point:

Being focused works in your favor and being vague works against you.

Traditionally, business related definitions make distinctions between goals and objectives. Goals are considered to be vague ideas of where you want to go, and objectives are specific and measurable ways to get there. Some definitions go as far as to say that goals can't be measured, and objectives can.

As such, the concept of SMART goals is really a misnomer of sorts, since these would really be objectives by the traditional definition used in the business world.

In terms of practical project management in the corporate world, however, the term includes the use of the world "goals." At least, this has been my experience when working for two major technology companies.

Other companies may define things differently, but many texts leave out the word "objectives" and substitute the world "goals" as well.

In any case, SMART goals have rules.

Rules For SMART Goals

In talking about the link between motivation and goal setting, the topic of SMART comes up. Below, we'll expand on that a bit.

When writing SMART goals, there are other alternative words for each of the requirements, but I prefer these...

• Specific -- If your goal is too general, it won't have focus. It will also be difficult to measure (the second requirement), and have less impact.

• Measurable -- If you can measure it, you can track it.

• Attainable (Achievable) -- This is one that I think is misunderstood. You should aim high. But aiming too high is not going to help you.

• Realistic (Relevant) -- A goal might be attainable, but just because you can achieve something that doesn't mean that you should.

• Time bound -- Time bound, or timely, as it's sometimes referred to, is pretty straight forward.

Writing Goals Down

You may have heard that once you've developed your SMART goals, that it's important to write them down. Putting your goals on paper helps to make them more real, and adds a layer of accountability.

Another recommendation is to tell someone else about your goal. To that end, I thought why not tell thousands of people and get help with writing, refining, and achieving your goals by entering them online in this goal setting form.

Topics Related to SMART Goals

Goal setting questions (Free download)

Motivation information and resources

Motivational quotes to get you going

Daily motivation in 10 minutes a day

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