Setting SMARTER goals

Ever heard of SMART goals? They have been around since the 1980s and are as relevant today as they were back then. We all benefit from having goals to achieve in work and life generally but sometimes we struggle with properly defining them or perhaps being a bit unrealistic. Or sometimes, we try something – it doesn’t work and we give up on it , jumping to some other plan without properly evaluating and learning from what happened and what we might do differently to get a better result. That’s why we use SMARTER goals by adding evaluation and revision into the core process.  

What Are SMARTER Goals?

The SMARTER goal framework is an evolved approach to goal-setting that ensures clarity, focus, and continuous improvement. Here’s a breakdown of the components of SMARTER goals:

1. Specific: Goals need to be clear and well-defined. Vague objectives lead to confusion and make it harder to take actionable steps. For instance, instead of saying, “I want to be healthier,” you should aim for a goal like, “I want to lose 10 pounds in the next three months by exercising and improving my diet.”
2. Measurable: A goal must include criteria for measuring progress. How will you know when you’re halfway there? Having measurable milestones allows you to track progress and stay motivated. In the example above, the goal is measurable: losing 10 pounds. You can track weight loss over time to see if you’re on the right path.
3. Achievable: While goals should stretch your abilities, they also need to be realistic and attainable. Setting overly ambitious goals can lead to frustration and burnout. To ensure a goal is achievable, ask yourself if you have the resources, skills, and time to meet your objective. If not, consider breaking it down into smaller, more manageable steps.
4. Relevant: Goals should align with your broader personal or professional ambitions. Ask yourself why this goal matters and how it fits into your life. Is it worth pursuing? For instance, losing weight might be relevant for someone aiming to improve their health or enhance their athletic performance.
5. Time-bound: Deadlines create a sense of urgency and help keep you on track. Whether it’s a weekly, monthly, or yearly timeframe, having a clear deadline increases your focus. Instead of saying, “I want to lose weight,” say, “I want to lose 10 pounds in three months.”
6. Evaluated: Building on the traditional SMART framework, SMARTER goals include regular evaluations. This is where you periodically assess your progress, identify what’s working, and address potential challenges. Evaluation can help you fine-tune your approach and increase your chances of success.
7. Revisable: Life is unpredictable, and circumstances can change. SMARTER goals are flexible enough to be adjusted if necessary. Revisability ensures that you’re not stuck with an unrealistic or irrelevant goal. If you encounter obstacles, like an injury that prevents you from exercising, you can revise your fitness plan rather than abandon the goal entirely.

Why SMARTER Goals Work

SMARTER goals promote focus, accountability, and continuous improvement. By making goals specific and measurable, you have a clear understanding of what needs to be done. Achievability ensures that your goals are within reach, and relevance keeps you aligned with your larger life plans. Time-bound goals create the urgency needed to keep you motivated.

Moreover, the addition of evaluation and revisability ensures that you stay adaptable. Evaluating progress helps you learn from your experiences, while revisability gives you the flexibility to adjust when necessary. This dynamic approach makes it easier to navigate setbacks or changing circumstances, ultimately keeping you on track.

Applying SMARTER Goals in Everyday Life

The SMARTER framework can be applied to almost any type of goal, whether it’s related to career development, health, relationships, or personal growth. Start by identifying a goal that matters to you. Break it down according to the SMARTER criteria, and remember to keep your focus on regular evaluation and revisability. This will help you stay flexible and resilient as you work toward achieving your goal.

For example, if you want to boost your career, a SMARTER goal might look like this: “I want to complete an online certification in digital marketing within six months, dedicating two hours every weekday to study, so I can apply for higher-paying job opportunities.” This goal is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound, and includes room for evaluation and revision based on progress.

Reward yourself

As we know from JB Fogg’s “Tiny Habits” theory, giving ourselves rewards for achieving milestones is important for our wellbeing as well so don’t forget to give yourself acknowledgement for your accomplishments along the way.

Exercise self-compassion

One of the benefits of using SMARTER goals is that, when things don’t go to plan, we can evaluate why that is and make adjustments including revising the goal. What is also important here is that we don’t beat ourselves up if we don’t realise the goal that we set – be kind to yourself but learn by reflecting, recovering and then resetting the goal and your plan.

Conclusion

Setting SMARTER goals increases your chances of success by providing a structured and adaptable framework. Whether you’re working on personal development or professional achievements, following this method allows you to stay focused, make measurable progress, and remain flexible when challenges arise. Incorporate the SMARTER approach into your life to make your goals more actionable and achievable, bringing you closer to your aspirations.

That’s why SMARTER goals are a core element of our EngageMentality coaching method.

If you would like to explore how we can help you to implement SMARTER goals with your people, please call us on 1300 108 488 or email info@poswork.com.au.