Define success so objectives are realistic and attainable

SMART goals are a powerful framework for setting clear and achievable objectives, helping you stay focused and motivated. By breaking down your objectives into five key elements, you can create a clear path to success and track your progress effectively. Read on to learn how to craft SMART goals and examples of how they can be applied in various settings.

What are SMART goals?

SMART goals are a model for setting clear, realistic, and achievable objectives. You might also hear them referred to as SMART targets or SMART objectives.

SMART stands for:

  • Specific: clearly define what you want to accomplish

  • Measurable: establish criteria for measuring progress and success

  • Achievable: ensure the goal is realistic and attainable

  • Relevant: make sure the goal aligns with broader objectives

  • Time-bound: set a deadline to achieve the goal

A SMART goal outlines precisely what you'll do, how to measure success, why it's important, and when to achieve it. This approach removes uncertainty and helps you focus on what matters.

An example of a SMART goal may follow this framework:

I want to [S: specific goal], by [M: measurable criteria], in order to [R: relevance]. I will accomplish this by [A: achievable actions] and will achieve it by [T: time-bound deadline].

Having SMART goals as your guiding light helps keep your workload focused and prioritised. By meeting these goals, you demonstrate your contributions and value to the business during performance reviews.

How to write SMART goals

Setting practical goals involves more than just stating what you want to achieve. The SMART framework helps you craft clear, actionable, and attainable objectives. Here's a closer look at each component:

S: specific

A goal needs to be specific to be effective. You must clearly define what you want to accomplish and why it's important. 

Try answering the five Ws to develop a complete picture of what this goal looks like and why it's important:

  • What exactly do I want to achieve?

  • Why is this goal important?

  • Who is involved?

  • Where is it located?

  • Which resources or limits are involved?

Here is an example of a specific goal of gaining a project management certification:

I want to earn a PRINCE2 Foundation certification within the next six months by completing an online course and passing the certification exam.

M: measurable

All objectives must be measurable; otherwise, you'll never know when they will be complete! Setting a quantifiable target allows you to track progress and see when you've reached your goal. 

Incorporate measurable, trackable benchmarks in your SMART objective to make it more effective. To do this, consider answering the following questions:

  • What is the total amount of work or effort required?

  • What are the specific, quantifiable milestones or steps?

  • How will I know when it is accomplished?

Here is an example of a measurable goal of gaining a project management certification:

I want to earn a PRINCE2 Foundation certification. I will complete 35 hours of education, study 10 hours weekly, and score 80% on mock exams. I'll know I've succeeded when I receive the certification.

A: achievable

Goals should challenge you to grow and develop, pushing you beyond your comfort zone. However, they should still be realistic and attainable, not so lofty that they feel out of reach.

Consider your goal with a level head and ask yourself: can I reasonably accomplish this? Is this goal attainable, given my current resources?

If you think you have bitten off more than you can chew, your SMART goal needs scaling back. 

If your manager or other leaders have passed your goal down the chain, it might not be so easy to change. If that's the case, be sure to communicate any restraints or roadblocks, such as time and resources.

Here is an example of an achievable goal of gaining a project management certification:

I will earn the PRINCE2 Foundation certification within six months by completing 35 hours of online education and studying 10 hours weekly. I'll use a study plan to stay on track and seek guidance from a mentor if needed.

R: relevant

It's important to consider the big picture when setting targets in a business setting, whether they focus on professional development or business operations.

Always tie your objectives to the bottom line where possible and ensure your plans can drive everyone forward. 

To sense-check the relevance of your goal, ask yourself the following questions:

  • How does this goal support my career growth or the business's objectives?

  • Will this goal positively impact the team or organisation?

  • Is this goal relevant to current business needs or my career development?

  • Does this goal support other ongoing projects or initiatives?

  • How will achieving this goal benefit my or the team's or organisation's success?

Here is an example of a relevant goal of gaining a project management certification:

I will earn the PRINCE2 Foundation certification to enhance my project management skills and qualify for advanced roles in my organisation, aligning with my career development plan.

T: time-bound

When you set a target, you, your manager, your team, and the business need to agree on when the goal has been achieved. This prevents everyday tasks or the latest and loudest requests from taking priority over the long-term goals.

You must build time-related parameters into your goals so everyone knows the milestones and how to stay on track. When making your SMART objective time-bound, answer these questions:

  • What can I do today?

  • What should I accomplish in six weeks?

  • What are my milestones for the next six months?

  • What long-term actions should I plan for?

Here is an example of a time-bound goal of gaining a project management certification:

I will earn the PRINCE2 Foundation certification by December 31st. I will complete 15 hours of material and initial exams in six weeks and finish the rest of my study and prep in three months.

Examples of SMART goals

Here are some SMART goal examples to show you what yours could look like:

Personal development SMART goal example

I will earn a PRINCE2 Foundation certification within six months by completing 35 hours of online education, studying 10 hours weekly, and scoring at least 80% on mock exams. I'll start the course today, finish 15 hours of material and initial exams in six weeks, and complete all studies and exam prep in the following three months. Success will be achieving the certification.

Customer service SMART goal example

I will boost our SaaS onboarding completion rate by 25% in four months by launching a new tutorial and refining the process based on feedback. I'll monitor progress weekly and adjust based on satisfaction surveys. The tutorial will launch in two weeks, with refinements over the next ten weeks. Success will be a 25% increase in completion rates and a 15% improvement in satisfaction scores.

Paid media SMART goal example

I will increase our paid media CTR by 20% in three months by optimising ad copy, adjusting targeting, and conducting A/B testing. I'll track CTR weekly and analyse performance. Changes will be implemented within one month, with A/B testing over the next six weeks. Success will be a 20% CTR increase and improved ROAS.

Curious if your CV showcases your goal-setting skills effectively? Submit it for a free review and discover how to make the best impression!

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