To create the life you want, you cannot leave out goal setting. Setting goals helps give you a sense of direction to where you’re headed and the energy, time, and other resources needed to get there. Without having a set of goals, it is almost impossible to figure out how to reach certain milestones.
SMART goals got its name made up from the first letter of each of the following words:
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Time-Specific
In the past, you might have set goals that were very vague with no plan whatsoever on getting them achieved. Those goals can be pretty discouraging to work towards, but with SMART goals, there’s a layout to follow that ultimately provides a great foundation for success.
Let’s go into more details about setting SMART goals:
1. Specific
Set your goals to be as direct and unambiguous as possible. The more specific your goal is, the easier it is to make out the requirements to attain them.
Example: I want to work as a project manager for a FinTech startup corporation.
2. Measurable
What is the evidence to show that I’m making advancement towards my goal? If your goal, for instance, is to work as a project manager for a FinTech startup, you could measure growth by the number of job applications and interviews you’ve completed within a certain period. Having these milestones in your goals helps keep you on track and know whether to double your efforts. It also helps you to celebrate your small wins along the way.
Example: I will submit applications to 5 FinTech startup companies for the position of their project manager.
3. Achievable
Are the goals you set realistic and achievable? You should set goals that you are likely to get the necessary resources to achieve. Using the example of applying as a project manager for a startup, do you have the required certifications and portfolio needed to work in that role? Before setting that goal, determine if what’s required of you is something you can meet now, or there are further steps to take to be better ready.
Example: I will take financial-related courses and revise my résumé so I can submit applications to 5 FinTech startup companies for the position of their project manager.
4. Relevant
In goal setting, there should always be the bigger picture that you are working towards. Does your goal correspond with your long-term or “end-game” plan? If your goal is not in any way related to it, you might need to have a rethink. Your goal must be relevant and should contribute to your more significant objectives in the long run.
Example: To achieve my goal of gaining experience in Fintech, I will take financial-related courses and revise my résumé so I can submit applications to 5 FinTech startup companies for the position of their project manager.
5. Time Specific
What is the timeline for achieving that goal? Having a reasonable timeframe to work towards keeps you on your toes and helps you reevaluate if the time elapses and you are nowhere close to reaching it.
Example: To achieve my goal of gaining experience in Fintech, I will take financial-related courses and revise my résumé so I can submit applications to 5 FinTech startup companies for the position of their project manager this week.
