Smart goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound goals.
Here’s what each of these terms means:
Specific: A specific goal is clear and well-defined. It answers the questions who, what, where, when, and why.
Measurable: A measurable goal can be quantified, tracked, and measured. This helps you know when you have achieved the goal and how close you are to reaching it.
Attainable: An attainable goal is realistic and achievable. It should be challenging, but not impossible.
Relevant: A relevant goal is aligned with your values, interests, and abilities. It should be something that matters to you and is important to your long-term goals.
Time-bound: A time-bound goal has a specific deadline for completion. This helps you stay motivated and focused on achieving the goal in a timely manner.
Overall, smart goals are designed to help you set and achieve your objectives in a clear and structured way. By using this framework, you can increase your chances of success and make progress towards your long-term goals.
Here is an example of how you can apply these principles to set a smart goal:
“I want to increase my weekly exercise routine from 3 days to 5 days by the end of the month. To do this, I will walk or run for at least 30 minutes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and do a yoga or strength training session on Tuesday and Thursday. I will track my progress using a fitness tracker and a calendar, and celebrate my achievements with a healthy reward at the end of the month.”
This goal is specific (increase exercise routine from 3 to 5 days), measurable (track progress using a fitness tracker and a calendar), achievable (given your current exercise routine), relevant (to your health and well-being), and time-bound (by the end of the month).
To obtain SMART goals, it can be helpful to start by brainstorming a list of potential goals and then evaluating each one to see if it meets the SMART criteria. You can also consider seeking input from others, such as a coach or mentor, to help you set goals that are both challenging and achievable.
Set a Smart Writing Goal
Setting a goal for your writing can help you stay focused and motivated as you work on your next book or series. Here are some steps you can follow to set a writing goal:
Define your purpose: What do you want to accomplish with your writing? Do you want to inform, persuade, or entertain your audience?
Identify your audience: Who are you writing for? Understanding your audience can help you tailor your writing to their needs and interests.
Determine the scope of your writing: How much do you need to write? Will your writing be long or short? Will it be a standalone piece or part of a larger project?
Set a deadline: Giving yourself a deadline can help you stay on track and ensure that you complete your writing in a timely manner.
Break your goal down into smaller, more manageable tasks: If your goal is to write a long piece of writing, it can be helpful to break it down into smaller sections or chapters. This can help you make progress and stay motivated as you work towards your goal. Some people write 2000 words a day. If you can’t do that make it more achievable for your style and pace of writing.
Review and revise your goal as needed: As you work on your writing, you may find that your goals or priorities change. It’s important to periodically review and revise your goal to make sure it is still relevant and achievable.
If you want help in writing your smart goals our friends at HubSpot have a great free guide on setting up your goals.
Here is a good video that explains SMART Goals. Get a pen and paper and take some notes.
Creating SMART Goals takes a lot of the hope and wishful thinking out of the equation.