Do you need a SMART goals template?

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Why Set a SMART Goal?

Just because we have the motivation to see our goals through to the end, doesn’t mean they will be achieved. Motivation, hoping, wishing and maintaining a positive attitude are key ingredients, but they are not necessarily SMART goals if an action plan isn’t also attached.

If you can take a little bit of time to mesh together a current goal you have with a SMART goal, you are far more likely to see it through.

For example, let’s say you are looking to increase revenue in your current business by $500/month. Setting the goal as, “I want to make $500 more per month in my business” will not do. I mean, it might, but chances are you’ll be in the same place you are at today in 6 months from now.

Instead, get SMART about that goal.

Let’s break down exactly what a SMART goal is so I can give to you a SMART goals template.

SMART Goals Acronym

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You have heard of a SMART goal before, yes? If not, here is how the SMART goals acronym breaks down:

S: Specific
M: Measurable
A: Achievable
R: Relevant
T: Timely

Now, this acronym can also stand for different words. Here are other words you might see for the SMART goals acronym:

S: simple
M: meaningful
A: attainable, assignable
R: results-oriented, realistic
T: trackable, time-bound

No matter which word you choose, here is what a SMART goal boils down to.

SMART Goals Template

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S: Specific

The first piece to identify your SMART goal is to make it specific. Ask the 5 “W” questions:

who
what
when
where
why

You need to be as clear and specific as possible when it comes to setting this goal.

M: Measurable

What’s a goal if you can’t measure progress against it? For this step, set goals and task-oriented items for measuring progress.This step gives the evidence that something is happening. If the evidence is lacking, it will also allow you to potentially shift gears.

A: Achievable

Is the goal you set truly achievable and attainable? This is part of the motivation behind setting goals, too. How motivating is it if you don’t realistically think it can happen?

R: Relevant

Not only is a goal something to work towards, but if it’s not relevant to your overall short and/or long-term goals, why would you see it through? What’s the point in setting a goal with no meaning or purpose for something in your current and/or future life?

In order to understand this part of the goal, though, you’ll need to first understand what that vision truly is for yourself. You can’t get to your desired destination if you don’t even know what said destination looks like.

T: Timely Definition

The definition for timely is, “done or occurring at a favorable or useful time; opportune.”

Therefore, in this equation for setting goals, you’ll want to make sure yours has an end date. Without an end date, procrastination becomes the best friend (and worst enemy of your goal).

So now, let’s break down the above with some examples.

Smart Goals Worksheet

Specific

Be very specific when defining and setting your goals. The more you define the outcome, the easier it will be to measure. By the same token, make it simple. Don’t use big words, long phrases and overcomplicated verbiage.

Measurable

The goal must be measurable. You must have a way to make it meaningful and a way to understand how you know it is on track to become achieved.

Achievable

Lofty goals are great, but if they are truly unattainable they are likely to not be meaningful, and you will likely not be able to follow through. Just because we wish and hope for something doesn’t mean it’s truly attainable. I wish to win the lottery, but that’s 99.9% unattainable. Two different things. Make sure you are setting yourself up to achieve.

Relevant

Don’t waste your time. Is your goal relevant? Will this goal make a difference in your life? You wouldn’t set a goal to sell 1,000 widgets in 4 months if your primary professional purpose was to sell coffee beans, right? (Um, yeah….weird analogy, I know – it’s early!) Aim to produce results that will enhance your life. Customize goals for your own vertical.

Time Bound

i.e. Timely. Without an end in sight, we tend to carry out tasks and goals for an infinite amount of time. With an infinite amount of time, you will likely never achieve the goal. Put an end cap on that goal. I also put mini end caps on my goals, tracking them along the way. What have you done to achieve the goal daily, weekly, monthly?

SMARTER Goals

Now, if you can make SMART(ER) goals, you’re likely to find even more success.

Here is what the E + R stand for:

E: Evaluate

Evaluate or excitable

Once your goal is set, evaluate it -> is it excitable? Are you ready to dive in and make it happen? (Yes, this is part of the motivation piece.)

If we are not intrinsically excited and motivated to achieve something, the SMARTER goal still remains arbitrary. Make sure your goal leaves you wanting to get your hands dirty stat.

R: Reevaluate (rewarding/reassess)

Reevaluate or rewarding/reassess

In my professional life, I’ve never worked with a client who has said post-campaign, “Well, thanks for your help. It was fun. Time to move on to the next campaign.”

Instead, I dug into social ROI and analytics. This is a part of the reevaluation period. It’s crucial.

Take time to reflect on the goal you set and the outcome, whether or not you achieved your goal. We only grow from experiences and what we are able to take away from those experiences.

Now, are you ready to practice this on your own?

You’ve got it.

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Smart Goals Template