SMARTgoals

SMART goals is a mnemonic acronym used to guide the goal-setting process. The acronym stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Applying these criteria is intended to increase the likelihood of a goal being accomplished.

The Specific criterion requires that a goal be clearly defined and unambiguous. Instead of a vague objective like "improve fitness," a specific goal would be "run a 5k race." The Measurable criterion means that progress towards the goal can be tracked. For the running example, this could be measured by distance run, time taken, or frequency of training sessions. Achievable signifies that the goal is realistic and attainable given available resources and constraints. Setting a goal to run a 5k is achievable for most people with consistent training, whereas aiming to run an ultra-marathon in a week might not be.

The Relevant criterion ensures that the goal aligns with broader objectives and values. If the overarching aim is to improve cardiovascular health, then running a 5k is a relevant goal. Finally, Time-bound means that the goal has a defined deadline. This creates a sense of urgency and provides a timeframe for evaluation. For instance, "I will run a 5k race within three months." By adhering to these five principles, individuals and organizations can create more effective and actionable plans for achieving their desired outcomes.