SMART is the acronym that has been used by individuals and businesses for decades to describe the key elements of effective goal setting. Goals must be clear and unambiguous, realistic, have a starting and an ending point, relate to your vision in life, and allow you to measure results. Most people know in general what they would like to accomplish in life especially when it comes to setting goals. But, not many know that there is a specific methodology to help you set and achieve goals properly and painlessly and like any successful plan, it needs to contain key elements by using the acronym SMART for setting goals.

Specific - What exactly do you want to accomplish?
Measurable - Can you assess/measure your progress?
Achievable - is your goal within your reach?
Relevant - is it relevant toward your life's purpose?
Timely - is there a deadline for completion?

How to

As we discuss each key element in details, you need to think of your own examples and get ready to practice turning your general goals into SMART goals in the next chapter.

Specific

To set a specific goal, you must fully answer the 6 "W" questions:

1. What - what do you want to accomplish? Be specific!
2. Who - who is involved? Name participants if more than you!
3. Why - why are you doing this? State your reasons!
4. Where - where would you be? Identify a location!
5. When - when do you start and end? Establish a time frame!
6. Which - which resources do you need? State requirements and restraints!

Measurable

To determine if your goal is measurable, you must fully answer these 3 "H" questions:

1. How much? Quantify what you need!
2. How many? Count specifically!
3. How will I know if it is accomplished? Set a standard or rubrics!

Achievable

To determine if your goal is achievable/attainable, you must decide how challenging but realistic you must set your sight, and fully answer these questions:

1. Can I feasibly do this?
2. Is achieving this goal at least 50% believable to me?
3. Did I set my limit just right, not too high and not too low?

Timely

To determine if your goal is timely or time-bound, you must establish a timeline and deadlines for each of your goals as follows:

1. A short-term goal usually includes a deadline of a month or two (within one year)
2. A long-term goal usually has a deadline of one to five years (1-5)
3. A life-term goal usually is for the rest of your expected life (Retirement plans)

Realistic/relevant

To determine if your goal is relevant/realistic, you must decide if it is worthwhile for you to spend your time and energy on it, and fully answer these questions:

1. Does this specific goal contribute to my life and happiness?
2. Does this specific goal facilitate reaching other goals pertinent to my life?
3. Does this specific goal help me reach financial security and freedom?

Practice

Now that you know the key elements of SMART effective goal setting. Think of paying it forward and discuss your own goals after you answer each question with a friend or a family member.

Congratulations! You can move on to Chapter 3. Goal-setting steps

To review the full module on SMART goals, click here.