The acronym SMART has several slightly different variations. These variations can all be used to provide a more comprehensive definition of goal setting to help you get to where you want to be.

So what is SMART goal setting?

SMART goal setting brings structure and trackability into your goals and objectives. In stead of vague ideas and intentions, SMART goal setting creates a clear path towards a certain objective. With an estimation of how attainable that goal is within a defined timescale. To make your goal SMART it needs to conform to the following criteria: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. Why not think of a small goal you want to set right now, personal or professional and apply the following variables. By using the SMART approach, every goal can be brought closer to reality.

Specific

What exactly do you want to achieve? The more specific your description, the bigger the chance you’ll get exactly that. SMART goal setting clarifies the difference between ‘I want to loose weight’ and ‘I want to loose 10 kilos over a 6 month period by kickboxing once a week and eating healthily’. Questions you may ask yourself when setting your goals and objectives are:

• What is it exactly that I want to achieve?
• When? Where? How?
• Are there any limitations to how I can achieve my goal?

Measurable

Measurable goals mean that you identify exactly what it is you will see, hear and feel when you reach your goal. It means breaking your goal down into measurable elements. Measurable goals can go a long way in refining what exactly it is that you want to achieve. Defining the physical manifestations of your goal or objective makes it clearer and easier to reach.

Achievable

Is your goal achievable? This means investigating whether the goal really is acceptable to you. You weigh the effort, time and other costs your goal will take against the existing obligations, commitments and priorities you have in life. If you don’t have the time, resources or dedication to reach a certain goal, you’ll simply be setting yourself up to fail. That doesn’t mean that you can’t take something that seems impossible and make it happen by planning smartly and going for it.

Realistic

This step is about ensuring that your goal matters to you, and that it also aligns with other relevant goals. When contemplating how realistic your goal is you should ask yourself questions such as “Is my goal achievable within the availability of resources, knowledge and time?” If you have more than one goal that you wish to accomplish, and the previous 3 steps have brought you to the conclusion that you must prioritise your goals, go with what you’re passionate about. A goal that you care deeply about will be both more relevant and achievable than one you’re only sort of interested in.

Timely

Everybody knows that deadlines are what makes most people switch to action. So install deadlines for yourself and go after them. Keep the timeframe realistic and flexible, that way you can keep morale high. Being too strict on the timely aspect of your goal can have the adverse effect and make the journey to achieving your goals a stressful and non-enjoyable race against time.

Many people fail when setting goals for themselves in life. Not for lack of ability or brains or even courage, but simply because they have never made a clear and organised plan as to how to reach their goal.

Start thinking ‘SMART ‘ and make your goals a reality.