How To Set Smart Goals
Many individuals are so focused on the outcome that they forget to plan. When you have clear goals, your efforts are more likely to produce desired results.
Setting goals at such an uncertain time may spark your brain to whisper, “Why bother?”, but it’s still very important. They will just have to be altered or reviewed.
Using the SMART model is a great way to set out your goals. This approach eliminates generalities and guesswork, sets a clear timeline, and makes it that much easier to track progress and identify missed milestones.
Specific: Get clear on what you want. Define it. What do you want to accomplish? Why is the goal important? Who is involved? Where is it located? Which resources or limits are involved?
Example of a specific goal: “Improve made free throw percentage”
Measurable: How will you know when the goal has been accomplished? Being able to quantify your goals makes it easier to track progress and will help you understand when you’ve reached the finish line.
Adding a measurable to the current goal: “Improve made free throw shooting percentage from 25% to 35%.”
Achievable: Goals should be realistic — not high pedestals from which you inevitably tumble. Achievability means ensuring that your goal is within reach. How will you accomplish this goal? How realistic is the goal?
Example of a specific goal: “Improve made free throw percentage from 25% to 35%”
Relevant: Evaluate why the goal matters to you and to reach your chosen objective. Goals should be relevant & specific to you and not be influenced by external factors.
Improving made free throw percentage is a relevant goal as free throws can be the deciding factor in the outcome of a game.
Time-bound: Good goals don’t stretch into infinity – they have a deadline. Ensure that the timeframe is realistic considering other priorities.
Example of a deadline for a specific goal: “Improve made free throw percentage from 25% to 35% by the end of 90 days.”
Not all goals are created equal; vague objectives leave you wondering what to do next and how you’ll measure your success. Knowing how to set goals using the SMART framework offers the details and context you need upfront. Use this advice and go smash your goals.
