How to Set Goals the SMART Way

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SMART Goals Setting

When I'm asked about SMART goals, I'm always reminded of the following quote from Eleanor Roosevelt:

“You must do the things you think you cannot do.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt

But what does she mean? All too often, people don't even try to achieve their goals. They write themselves off because of self-esteem issues or a lack of self-confidence. As long as your goals are time-bound and measurable, I think you should go for them.

Only losers moan about not having the skills or capabilities to at least try. Not trying, in my mind, is almost unforgivable.

I wonder if the Wright Brothers ever doubted their ability to invent the aeroplane. I'm guessing they might have done at times. I wonder if Richard Branson ever doubted his ability to start his own airline and space travel company when he was stood behind the counter of a London record store.

All goals are relevant goals. Why? Because they come from your aspirations. OK, you might not achieve them all, but at least you'll be able to lie on your deathbed and say: "At least I gave it a shot!"

With the help of my SMART framework and my time-bound VISION GPS system—more about that later—I'll give you the motivation, belief, and tools you need to shoot for the stars.

But don't expect an easy ride. Going easy on you won't do you any favours. I'll track progress throughout our time together, and if I think for one second that you're not giving everything to the process, I'll tell you exactly what I think.

I'm a very successful life coach and entrepreneur, and I didn't achieve my own time-bound goals just to have you waste my time. If you're prepared to set aside your ego and pride for a while, I won't just help you with the goal-setting process—I'll help you define your ultimate vision for life and show you how to make it a reality.

If you're willing to take my advice and work as hard as I do at achieving your time-bound goals, book an initial discovery meeting with me today. You can either join me in my London office in the Angel/Islington area or allow me to assess your achievable goals over a Zoom call.

What Are SMART Goals?

Having a goal is arguably one of the most essential things in life. It doesn't matter how motivated you are, how hard you work, or what you are willing to sacrifice; if you don't have goals, you'll never be successful, and you won't accomplish much.

Setting goals is fundamental in every aspect of your life. From your next career move to taking the next step in personal relationships, goals are how you measure success, feel fulfilled and give you an objective.

Without goals, it's like running a race with no finish line. You'll end up tired, frustrated, and feeling like you haven't gone anywhere. But setting impossible goals is just as frustrating. You need to know how to set attainable but challenging goals, which will push you but not intimidate you. In short, you need to know how to set SMART goals.

What Are the 5 SMART Objectives?

When we talk about how to set smart goals, we mean SMART. SMART is a helpful acronym that can help you set realistic, valuable goals. So, what is the meaning of the SMART acronym and SMART goals?

• SSpecific
• MMeasurable
• AAttainable
• RRealistic
• TTime-bound

These elements are important to make a goal that will positively affect your personal life, career, and relationships. SMART goal setting is all about focusing on the ultimate goal for what you want to achieve.

Now, once you get to know men, you'll understand that I don't usually go for business speak and bu****it. I prefer the direct approach—it dispenses with fluff and saves a lot of time. But when it comes to SMART goals, I like to use a poker term. I'm all in!

There are actually lots of different versions of the SMART goals meanings. Sometimes the R is realistic. The S can be sensible or significant, and the M is motivating or meaningful. So, when you look up the meaning of SMART goal, you might see different words.

However, the purpose is the same; to help you set a goal, you can actually complete. SMART goals are defined as measurable and give you the best chance of accomplishing your goal.

The goal-setting process is just as important as achieving them. It gets you thinking about what you want from life. And once you know your ultimate destination, finding the motivation to keep going—even when the s**t is hitting the fan—becomes a lot easier.

Let's break each element down even further to help you set SMART goals.

How to Set Goals Smartly

I'll work with you to create a SMART goal framework designed to support your journey towards realising your vision in life. As long as we're on the same page about effort, not making excuses, and dispensing with the bu****it, I'm confident will set relevant goals that abide by the following principles.

Specific

For a goal to be attainable, it needs to be specific. When setting a specific goal, you need to focus on a particular point, which will make it easier for you to measure and meet your goal. Anything too vague won't motivate you, and you might end up heading off course. So, you won't get away with half-measures and cloudy thinking when you're in my office. You'll need to leave the bu****it in the street and drill down on the details.

For example, instead of saying you want to make more money, try setting a specific figure. This will allow you to take actionable steps to achieve the target. If you just say you want to make more money, a tiny pay increase or end-of-year bonus is technically a win, but you won't have made any progress.

Being very specific in your goal setting is the first step to visualising it and making it happen. This is the first step in the process of creating a plan and making changes. You need to know where you are going first, so you should make sure you take this stage seriously. Think about the details of the goal and break one big goal down into smaller goals.

Measurable

The next criterion, after specific, is measurable. To set a measurable goal, you need something you can count. You will need to track progress, ensure you are on the right track, and that your efforts are heading in the right direction.

When you're in my office, you'll never have to worry about progress tracking, however. There'll be nowhere to hide. If you're not moving forward with your goals, believe me, you'll know about it! I'm a confidence coach, remember? And I'll never lack the confidence to give you both barrels when the need arises.

You rarely go from zero to 100 on any goal. There are usually multiple steps, and you will probably need additional resources. By breaking down your goal in steps with proper targets or markers, you can check how well you are doing and make any changes to ensure you reach your final measurable goals.

Often, things don't go to plan, so by ensuring you are constantly evaluating your actions, seeing what you've accomplished, and measuring your criteria against your overall goal, you can give yourself a reality check and make sure you are still on track to achieve your goals overall objective.

Achievable

It sounds simple, but SMART goals need to be achievable; otherwise, it's just a dream. Goals must be realistic and attainable to be considered a SMART goal. Whether it's your career or a personal goal, smart objectives need to be things you can achieve if you work hard, focus and put in the effort. Setting goals that are achievable is crucial.

Smart targets shouldn't be easy; you should still be challenging yourself, developing new skills, growing your resources, and improving your skill set. However, a too complicated or unrealistic goal won't help you.

The SMART model creates realistic goals, not teach you to dream or, even worse, to have wishes. We all dream of being mega-wealthy and having a perfect life. But this isn't a goal. You need an action plan that you can follow to see actual results.

Try breaking down your SMART goals into smaller steps. If you want a promotion, think about the steps to get there. If you're going to start a business, think about the little things that will help. Small targets can help you accomplish a bigger goal.

Relevant

This is something lots of people overlook when they are setting SMART goals. A SMART goal must be relevant to you. It has to be personal and something you want to achieve. Your goal has to fit in with your life. There is no point aiming for a promotion that will take you overseas if you're going to stay where you are, just as there is no point trying to lose weight if you like your current level of fitness and health. Speak to your team, and anyone else involved to ensure it's the right move.

When you set a goal, take a minute to think about how achieving this goal will impact other areas of your life. Is this what you really want? It is a realistic goal for you in general. You need to set a goal that can be achieved without sacrificing other areas of your life and will help make your life better in the long run.

Timely

Every good goal needs a deadline. You should ensure your plan has an attainable time frame or target date for completion. If you don't set a time frame, you might find your goal slips, and time passes without any real success. If something is time-bound, you know when to achieve it and will be more motivated to get it done rather than wasting time and fall short.

This is one of the reasons I don't have time for bu****it excuses and not taking accountability for results. I'm too busy working on my own relevant and time-bound goals, for a start. And believe me, allowing you to kick the can down the road when it comes to achieving your goals won't do you any favours in the long run.

I prefer the 'be cruel to be kind' approach.

Think about what you want to achieve and by when. Try not to set a goal with a time frame that's too long. A goal that lasts two years can be hard to focus on. A time-bound goal with a deadline of six months is more likely to get your attention because it is more urgent. Six months is long enough for you to make fundamental changes but short enough to still pressing and important. Plus, at the end of the time frame, you can give yourself a reality check and see how far you've come.

How to Use SMART Goals (with SMART Goals Examples)

SMART goals are straightforward, but the execution is sometimes more complicated. It can be hard to take a theory and apply it to your own life. We've taken some popular goals and broken them down into SMART goal examples so you can see exactly how to set SMART goals in your own life.

Example 1: I want to lose weight

SMART Goal: I want to lose 10 kg before my best friend's wedding in six months by doing gentle exercise three times a week and eating a healthier diet with fewer bad carbohydrates (like white bread, potatoes, pasta, etc.) and more vegetables.

Why: This SMART goal is much clearer to follow. With the first goal, any weight loss would be considered a success, so you don't have the focus or motivation to keep losing weight. With the SMART version, you can see why you're doing this (a friend's wedding), you know the time frame (six months), and you can see a clear path for how you are going to achieve your goal (exercise and diet).

Example 2: I want a promotion

SMART Goal: I want to develop the skills needed for this specific job by taking a communication and leadership course and taking a more active role in this project when they offer promotions at the end of the year.

Why: This SMART target focuses on the fact that you need to develop skills to get the promotion. It's all very well saying you want a promotion, but it's a useless goal unless you can identify your action plan and strategy to learn skills to get there. You've got a deadline (a time-bound goal in its own right), you've got a specific target, and it's relevant to your current career path. You've got measurable goals to accomplish, and you can take it week by week. As you learn each new skill, you get closer to accomplishing your goal.

Example 3: I want to learn to play the guitar

SMART Goal: I will learn to play this specific song on the guitar by practising for one hour a day, three times a week, by the time before the open mic night at my local café.

Why: This goal is a SMART objective. You can track your achievement by how often you practise and how fluent you get at the song. You have a deadline and a focused goal to learn a specific song rather than just learning a few chords. It's clear, measurable, achievable, and it's got a time frame.

From hitting a new PB and losing weight to getting your dream job, starting your own business or running a team project, setting SMART objectives can help drastically. Here are some of our top tips for SMART goal setting and your personal goals.

Tips for Setting SMART Goals Effectively

I know what I'm talking about. SMART goals played a part in the 11 businesses I've started over the years. SMART goals played a crucial role in growing a non-profit from two volunteers to 600! SMART goals won me some of the most prestigious business coaching clients out there, including the likes of the Football Association, the BBC, ITV, and the Mayor of London.

So, if it's advice about setting relevant and time-bound goals you're looking for, you've come to the right place!

Write SMART Goals Down

Once you've got your plan, write it down somewhere you will see it regularly. In your journal, on your fridge, or even on a notebook by your bed. Writing SMART goals down somewhere you can see them is a great way to remind yourself of your overall mission statement.

Celebrate Every Step

You might be working towards an achievable goal, but if you have some small targets, celebrate when you reach them. This will not only help keep you on track and ensure your strategy is still working, but it will help keep you motivated.

Relax — Your Achievable Goal Will Still Be There Tomorrow

Chances are things won't go to plan, and you might need to reframe your goals and try again. If you lose track of your plan or find your goals are no longer relevant or attainable, don't panic, just set a new goal and try again. Goal setting isn't always easy, especially when setting personal goals, just make your goal attainable and relax.

Take Small Steps

Just because you are setting SMART goals doesn't mean you need to go for the biggest one first. Break down your goals into lots of smaller targets and take small steps. Have a plan of action that you can follow, and think about your skills and the relevant resources you need to make changes. Preparing for your goal is also a goal.

"Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together."—Vincent Van Gogh

Be Confident

Even when things go wrong, embrace failure. Remember that failure is just a path to achieve a goal, and if you let your fear get the best of you, you will never achieve your goals.

Career development and pursuing your ultimate vision in life requires belief in your abilities and your determination to keep going. Get out there, grab the bull by the horns, and stake your claim. You're good enough, so let people know it!

Be Flexible

Other opportunities may present themselves once you start progressing, improving, and working toward your goal. As you learn new skills, your situation might change. If new doors open, don't be afraid to change your approach and find a new goal to meet your new circumstances.

Speak to family, friends, teachers, coaches or mentors. The people around you can make a big difference to your goals. They can help keep you accountable, help measure progress and keep you motivated. Speak to people you trust about your goals and let them support you. Just because it's your goal doesn't mean you have to do it on your own; you need your team.

And remember:

• A dream written down with a date becomes a goal.
• A goal broken down into steps becomes a plan.
• A plan backed by actions makes your dream a reality.

It's a cheesy saying, but it's true. Setting SMART goals is the first step to making your dreams real. So, start setting them now, and you'll thank yourself in six months.

Where Do SMART Goals Fit into My Coaching Processes?

Whether you're looking to excel in project management or digital marketing, goals will keep you moving forward. But why are you moving forward? Where are you going? What's the quantifiable objective that will leave you happy and content when you finally meet your maker?

SMART criteria are only a part of my process. Defined objectives are there to support your journey towards making your vision a reality. That's where my VISION GPS system begins.

VISION

My vision was once to start a successful business. And by setting a series of goals, I was able to achieve that vision. Of course, I've redefined my vision many times since, as I love kicking the s**t out of objectives!

G - Goals

I draw inspiration from the world's best thinkers and most successful entrepreneurs. That's why I'm such an effective career change coach.

For example, I wanted to know why I'd experienced failures while running previous businesses, so I set the goal of reading E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It by Michael Gerber. He taught me that businesses that can thrive and grow without the owner micro-managing everything tend to be the most successful.

Set yourself a start and finish date for your goal, and make it happen. No one else will do it for you!

P - Planning

Every personal and professional goal requires a route to success. A pilot wouldn't be able to reach their final destination without a flight path. You would find it very difficult to drive across Europe without a GPS system. See where I'm going with this? Ambitious goals require ambitious plans and strategies.

S- Systems

Processes such as time management and effective resource allocation are required to ensure you stay on track in pursuit of your project goals. A good coach will be able to give you the tools required to create your own systems as you strive to accomplish each specific goal on the road to realising your vision.

Set Smarter Goals with the Help of an Experienced Business Coach

Whether you're struggling to avoid unrealistic goals or you don't want to lose sight of what you're trying to do with your life, my no-bu****it approach to business and life coaching will keep you focused on the big picture.

To work with me on the specific tasks you need to execute in order to define and achieve all your initial goals, book a free discovery call with me today. You won't just learn about SMART goals, however; you'll learn how to achieve your life's ultimate vision.