Set SMART Goals

Let’s start the New Year off strong by setting SMART goals. You shouldn’t be vague or uninterested in your goals. Setting goals should motivate and excite you. Ambiguity with goal setting and planning can lead to aimlessness and/or failure. We need to be specific with our goals, measure them appropriately, and ensure they are achievable, relevant, and timely. These five components create a SMART goal. 

Specific. 

Ambiguity will lead to confusion and lack of direction. Be specific with what you want to achieve, the steps necessary to get there, and who is responsible for each step along the way.  If you want to grow - grow what? Revenue, employees, locations, inventory, services, etc. Be specific. 

Measurable. 

What are the benchmarks you’ll be tracking and how are you going to track them? Depending on your goal, there should be quantifiable evidence of your progress along the way. In addition, how much do you want to increase? Include measurable data. 

Achievable. 

Set your goals just within your reach. Why? If you shoot for the moon and fall short, you’ll consider it a failure, when really, it was an unachievable goal. However, if you do set a hefty goal, communicate if there will be any potential setbacks or restrictions and understand that this may shift the desired deadline. 

Relevant. 

Why is this goal important? It’s important to know what you’re working toward, but also why. Will this goal help improve your own skills or improve your business in some way? Does this goal align with our needs? Make sure each goal you set has a purpose and know what it is. Look at the bigger picture and ask yourself if this smaller piece is relevant and worth the time and energy. 

Timely. 

Set a clear deadline. When is a realistic deadline for each goal? When will you begin executing the steps necessary to reach the goal? Create a timeline from start to finish so everyone can remain on track and know where they stand on completion. 

Take a look at the goals you made for the year. Are they laid out in SMART formation? If not, take some time to consider and write-in the missing information necessary and watch as your goals go from ambiguous and unclear to completely mapped out and measurable. Enjoy!