SMART(ER) Goal Setting

 Goals are the specific result or purpose expected from the project. The project goals specify what will be accomplished over the entire project period and should directly relate to the problem statement and vision. The goal is achieved through the project objectives and activities.

Objectives are the specific steps that lead to the successful completion of the project goals. Completion of objectives results in specific, measurable outcomes that directly contribute to the achievement of the project goals. Setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives is a good way to plan the steps to meet the long-term goals in your grant. It helps you take you from ideas to action. Setting SMART objectives keeps the project moving forward, helps with accountability and timing, and lets you know that you are accomplishing what you set out to accomplish. 

The aim of SMART goals is to create realistic goals that produce an outcome. Often when setting goals, people will think big and get discouraged if they don’t meet their goals. While the College encourages our registrants to think big, we also want to ensure registrants are creating achievable goals with practical results. The process is not meant to be daunting or overwhelming.

Goal setting will be different for everyone, but it always provides focus and direction, no matter what you are trying to accomplish.

Definition of SMART Objectives

SMART stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound

Specific – Objective clearly states, so anyone reading it can understand, what will be done and who will do it?

Measurable – Objective includes how the action will be measured. Measuring your objectives helps you determine if you are making progress. It keeps you on track and on schedule

Achievable – Objective is realistic given the realities faced in the community. Setting reasonable objectives helps set the project up for success

Relevant – A relevant objective makes sense, that is, it fits the purpose of the grant, it fits the culture and structure of the community, and it addresses the vision of the project.

Time-bound – Every objective has a specific timeline for completion. 

The Importance of SMART Goal Setting

Often, individuals or businesses will set themselves up for failure by setting general and unrealistic goals such as “I want to be the best at X.” This goal is vague, with no sense of direction.

SMART goals set you up for success by making goals specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely. The SMART method helps push you further, gives you a sense of direction, and helps you organize and reach your goals.

Now the theory is evolving and is the need of time to also evaluate and reward yourselves and create a proper feedback loop for getting the best approach to fulfill your goals. 

Be S.M.A.R.T.E.R