S.M.A.R.T Goal Setting for Your Business

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The process of S.M.A.R.T goal setting for your business helps you think about your ideal future and should motivate you to turn your vision into a reality.

Goal setting is a powerful process for thinking about your ideal future, and for motivating yourself to turn your vision of this future into reality. The process of setting goals helps you choose where you want to go in business and in life. But every goal should be S.M.A.R.T.

S.M.A.R.T Goals

You have probably heard of SMART goals already. But everyone can use a refresher course every now and again. If you’ve never ever heard of SMART goals before — keep reading.

There are many variations of what SMART stands for, but the essence of the acronym is this — goals should be: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time Based.

Set Specific Goals

Your goal must be clear and well defined. Vague or generalized goals are unhelpful because they don’t provide sufficient direction. Remember, you need goals to show you the way. Make it as easy as you can to get where you want to go by defining precisely where you want to end up.

Set Measurable Goals

Without measures, how will you know that you been successful? In order for a goal to be stated specifically, you must determine what the tangible measures for your goal will be.

Include precise amounts, dates, in your goals so you can measure your degree of success. Without a way to measure your success you miss out on the celebration that comes with knowing you have actually achieved something.

Set Attainable Goals

Setting unachievable, unattainable goals is pointless. You’ll have already failed from the outset. Make sure that it’s possible to achieve the goals you set.

We often create goals that are about others. But remember, your goals must be stated in such a way that it is YOU who are in control of them and will take responsibility to make them happen.

Set Relevant Goals

Goals should be relevant to the direction you want your life and career to take. By keeping goals aligned with this, you’ll develop the focus you need to get ahead and do what you want. Set widely scattered and inconsistent goals, and you’ll fritter your time – and your life — away.

Set Time-Based Goals

Setting the goal within a time frame helps to  keep you motivated. When you are working on a deadline, your sense of urgency increases and achievement will come that much quicker. Without an end goal, there is no set limit to help drive the goal’s completion.

What will you accomplish today?

Goal setting is much more than simply saying you want something to happen. The process of SMART goal setting for your business helps you think about your ideal future and should motivate you to turn your vision into a reality.

By making sure you are setting SMART goals, you can enjoy the satisfaction that comes along with knowing you’re en-route to achieving what you set out to do.

 

Images via Women of Color in Tech