Demystifying SMART Goals! Bonus: Worksheet attached!
SMART goals
Everything starts with an idea, but some of the best ideas never grow to become real. Having ideas is a great and important first step. Making quality goals changes outcomes and ultimately transforms lives.
It has been said that if you aren’t sure where you are going you will surely get there (nowhere) or if you fail to aim you aim to fail!
In order to have a step-by-step plan or leading from God you need to have steps. You can always change them as He leads, but having them keeps in in motion. It is always easier to turn a moving ship, car, bike, skateboard... whatever.
To quote American philanthropist Elbert Hubbard,
"Many people fail in life, not for lack of ability or brains or even courage, but simply because they have never organized their energies around a goal."
Dreams are unrefined hope and cost-free aspirations that we might do someday. Converting a dream to a goal is a decision to take tangible steps to pursue it. Goals are specific future targets that we are committed to becoming or accomplishing in an action-oriented, time-specific way.
The opposite of a SMART goal is vague “goal”. Vague goals are ideas, ideals or dreams that can’t be quantified. Having unclear goals is like hoping to cover your retirement by playing the lottery – they are not likely to happen but for some people that is a far as they get. Vague goals are not effective. They don’t really do anything but give a general sense of values or dreams.
Vague goals are:
- not clearly defined, so they can morph and can’t be checked.
- pursued alone, so the energy to complete them is capped by the individual considering them and there is no accountability.
- uncelebrated, because no one knows for sure what the target was in the first place.
- always “coming along”, but are they really?
- not on a calendar, so they have no time frame
- not on a to-do list, so you may or may not remember
Vague goals sound like this:
“I will be a good leader.”
“I’ll get my calendar in order.”
“I’ll be dependable and my email responses will be timely.”
“I’ll be more social and relationally connected.”
“I will get more volunteers involved and do less myself.”
More personal vague goals sound like these:
“I’m going to eat healthier.”
“I’ll be more intentional with my extended family.”
“I should clean out the garage.”
“I’ll follow Jesus as He leads.”
These kinds of goals rarely just happen. On occasion we get an urge and eat a salad, but does that count for “healthier”?
Or maybe we make that phone call to grandma, are we all set then for being intentional with family connections?
It’s kind of like believing that our world should be a better place but not having a response for what that means for you personally and just hoping that having the right vibe will get us all there.
But don’t give up!
Actual TRACTION toward your goals may be closer than you think!
Instead of vague goals – make SMART goals! SMART goals are just plain smart! They are worth the effort and make all the difference.
Whether you want to be more intentional yourself personally, or work with your spouse for family, or even if you work with or lead team – SMART goals will serve you well!
SMART goals make all the difference in actual accomplishment, not just sharing ideals or dreams.
So, what is a SMART goal? I’m glad you asked!
SMART goals are:
Specific. Measurable. Attainable. Relevant. Time-Sensitive
Specific - A goal is specific when you can describe it clearly to others. You know what you want to accomplish. Vague goals equate to vague results. Goals must be fully furnished with a detailed description of the what, when, and how.
Measurable - A goal is measurable when you have can clearly define what it means to have reached it. You can assess your progress. Goals that cannot be measured cannot be managed. Your goal is measurable if anyone can tell you at the end of the deadline, whether or not you have completed your goal.
Attainable - Your goal must be within your reach in your present situation. High goals that stretch you are okay, but high AND realistic goals are better. Unattainable goals do not motivate you. Easy goals on the other hand are not challenging enough. Thus, they do not contribute to growth.
Relevant - Goals need to be parallel to your purpose in life. Relevant goals are a sure way to direct your efforts towards attaining something that will be connected to who you are as a person. Goals are simply tools to accomplish one’s mission/purpose in life.
Time-Sensitive - Goals need to have deadlines. A goal free from time element is susceptible to procrastination.
SMART goals sound like:
“I’ll eat low-carb during the week limiting my carbs to 10 per meal and then have one cheat day per week on Saturdays.”
“I’ll set a reminder in my phone asking me if I checked in with my mom each week.”
“I will drink some water each day before my coffee, working up to 20 oz. as my goal.”
“I’ll have a quiet time each day where I do my devotions. This will include picking one passage that meant something to me and journaling about it, and bullet point journaling my prayers.”
“I will stop using sticky note reminders as my to-do list, and instead move them to a spot in my calendar.”
“I will set aside time for email with my door closed twice a day, from 8-9 and 3-4. I’ll assess my progress and lengthen time if needed.”
(Personal note: these are all real SMART goals I have made at one point or another in my life that gave me traction for actual change!)
Now it's your turn.
Download this SMART goal worksheet and use the GROW model to make your own SMART goals and get the traction you have wanted!
Want more:
Check out the TRACTION book which will take you step by step down the Bridges Coaching ROAD, or signup for Coach Training (video or certification options available). Click the SAVE YOUR SEAT button for a discount and to talk to someone about your next steps!