SMARTSpecific

SMARTSpecific is the Specific component of the SMART goal framework. It emphasizes that a goal should be stated clearly and without ambiguity, detailing exactly what is to be accomplished, who will do it, where it will occur, and why it matters. A well-defined Specific goal provides direction, reduces misinterpretation, and supports focused planning and accountability.

To achieve specificity, practitioners typically address the five Ws: who, what, where, when, and why. Use action-oriented language, avoid vague terms such as 'improve' or 'increase' without a concrete target, and set boundaries on scope. The goal should describe the desired outcome in a way that leaves little room for interpretation and can be translated into concrete tasks.

Example: 'Increase quarterly software adoption among enterprise clients in the United States by 15 percent by Q3 2025, through targeted onboarding and enhanced customer success outreach.' This specifies the target group, metric, magnitude, deadline, and the method. Specificity underpins the subsequent Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound elements, since clear targets are necessary to assess progress and feasibility. Cautions include avoiding overly narrow definitions that ignore context or future changes, and ensuring alignment with broader strategic goals.