I’m a fan of S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals. They were introduced in the November 1981 issue of Management Review by George T. Doran in his article, “There’s a S.M.A.R.T. Way to Write Management’s Goals and Objectives.” Forty-four years later, are they still effective?
Why S.M.A.R.T. Goals Still Matter
- Focus: Without a clear objective, it’s easy to get distracted or overwhelmed. S.M.A.R.T. goals define what success looks like for you.
- Motivation: A deadline creates urgency. When goals are specific and time-bound, you’re more likely to take action rather than procrastinate.
- Measurability: If you can’t track it, you can’t improve it. Measurable goals ensure you recognize progress and adjust when needed.
- Achievability: Setting goals that stretch you but are still possible prevents burnout and frustration.
- Versatility: Whether you’re managing time, switching careers, or improving work-life integration, S.M.A.R.T. goals help you navigate challenges by providing structure and clarity. You don’t have to overhaul your entire approach overnight. Small, consistent steps will lead to big results over time. Let’s look at these three common situations and how S.M.A.R.T. goals get results.
Managing Your Workload
Do you struggle with an overwhelming number of tasks? A vague goal like “be more productive” doesn’t help. Instead, apply the S.M.A.R.T. method:
- Specific – “Reduce the number of unfinished tasks at the end of each week by prioritizing three key tasks daily.”
- Measurable – Use a spreadsheet (or a task management App) to track completed vs. pending tasks.
- Achievable – Ensure the three tasks are realistic given your workload.
- Relevant – Align your priorities with your role’s most important deliverables.
- Time-bound – Set a four-week deadline to evaluate whether this approach is improving your productivity.
- Immediate Action – Start tomorrow by identifying three priority tasks for the day and reviewing your progress at the end of the week.
Navigating a Career Transition
Are you aiming for a promotion or switching industries? A vague goal like “find a better job” doesn’t lead to results. Try this:
- Specific – “Apply to 10 roles in my target field and schedule two networking conversations per month.”
- Measurable – Keep track of your job search on a spreadsheet to monitor applications, interviews, and responses.
- Achievable – Target companies where your skills match at least 70% of the job requirements.
- Relevant – Ensure these steps align with your career aspirations.
- Time-bound – Set a three-month deadline to secure interviews and reassess your strategy if needed.
- Immediate Action – Spend 30 minutes today identifying job roles that align with your career goals and updating your LinkedIn profile.
Work-Life Integration
Does work spill into your personal time? Setting boundaries requires a concrete plan. A vague goal like “work less” doesn’t stop you from working less. Try making it a S.M.A.R.T goal:
- Specific – “Log off by 6:30 PM at least four days a week and avoid checking emails after hours.”
- Measurable – Use a time-tracking App to monitor your work hours.
- Achievable – Start with four days a week instead of aiming for a full work-life overhaul at once.
- Relevant – This goal aligns with maintaining mental well-being while still being effective at work.
- Time-bound – Reassess in six weeks to see if you’re more recharged and productive.
- Immediate Action – Set an end-of-day reminder on your calendar to log off at your designated time today.
What’s one goal you can refine into a S.M.A.R.T. goal today? Please share in the comments.