How to write SMART goals: tips & examples

We all often fail at completing tasks on time. Little do we know that the issue may be that we don't know how to set goals correctly. Procrastination and frustration arise when the finish line seems far away. Meanwhile, it is a clear goal that makes everything achievable.

One simple yet powerful technique called SMART teaches you to get clear on the results you want and outline a realistic plan to achieve them.

This article shows what SMART goals are, why they're important, and how to write them so you never drop off tasks again.

5 components of SMART goals

SMART is an acronym that stands for its core principles for goal-setting, which are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Let's break down each component:

• Specific. Make your goal clear. Use simple structure and words so there is no confusion. Every teammate should be able to understand its meaning.
• Measurable. If you can't measure your progress, you won't know if you're on track. Consider adding measurable elements like sales numbers, percentages, milestones, etc. These details help keep you motivated.
• Achievable. Your goal should be challenging but still within reach. Learn to divide the goal into subgoals if it sounds too grand. Setting unrealistic goals means setting unrealistic expectations on yourself, which can later lead to burnout and disappointment.
• Relevant. Make sure your goal is part of a bigger plan or value. In the end, it should contribute to your overall objectives.
• Time-bound. Setting a deadline not only creates the necessary urgency but also keeps you focused and prevents you from procrastinating, making your goal attainable, which is a great thing.

How to write SMART goals & be more productive

The best way to write a great goal is through trial and error. Or you can simply follow this checklist to understand the desirable structure:

• Research to define weak areas in the product. Analyze the market, study the needs of the audience, and assess the company's capabilities. The conclusions from the research will help to formulate relevant and topical goals.
• Set focus. Decide what you will work on and what metrics to improve within your current strategy.
• Define resources to achieve the goal. Assign people responsible for it and set deadlines for the task.
• Calculate how long it will take to reach your goal. It's better to consult with employees who are competent in these matters.
• Choose a tool to track progress. Try using tools that bring teams together and keep them in one context. Orchestra is one such collaboration app with a chat-centric workflow and a simple yet powerful task management system.
• Review the outcome. Organize team meetings for task tracking every 1-2 weeks. Evaluate the results using a special table to track progress against the goals.

SMART goals with SMART examples

Read carefully into the structure of these goal examples and adapt them to your needs.

SMART structure explained:

• Specific. Clearly states the focus (qualified leads from chat).
• Measurable. Includes the metric (10% increase, from 100 to 110 leads).
• Achievable. Assumes a feasible improvement strategy, like optimizing chat scripts.
• Relevant. Aligned with business goals (generating leads).
• Time-bound. Target completion within three months.

SMART structure explained:

• Specific. Focuses on connecting with 20 relevant professionals per week.
• Measurable. Quantifies the goal (20 connections per week).
• Achievable. A manageable outreach strategy (personalized messages).
• Relevant. Aligns with professional networking or career growth goals.
• Time-bound. Duration is set (next 2 months).

SMART structure explained:

• Specific. Clearly identifies the course (PMP certification).
• Measurable. Specifies weekly study hours and the ultimate milestone (exam completion).
• Achievable. Time and effort allocation (5 hours weekly) is realistic.
• Relevant. Enhances career skills in project management.
• Time-bound. A 6-month timeframe is established.

Hopefully, this is the last article you'll ever need to read on how to make SMART goals and why they're so useful. Remember to:

• Add a time frame.
• Ensure it's relevant.
• Check if it's achievable.
• Make it measurable.
• Start with a specific goal.

...and enjoy the results of your efforts!

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