SMART goals are a framework for setting
effective and achievable goals that can be used in a variety of personal and professional contexts. The term SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
- Specific: The goal should be clear and well-defined, answering questions such as what, why, and how.
- Measurable: The goal should include metrics or indicators that allow progress to be tracked and evaluated over time.
- Achievable: The goal should be challenging but realistic, taking into account the available resources and the individual or team's capabilities.
- Relevant: The goal should be relevant and aligned with the individual or team's overall objectives and priorities.
- Time-bound: The goal should have a clear deadline or timeframe for completion.
By applying the SMART framework to goal-setting, individuals and teams can create goals that are more likely to be accomplished and that can be objectively evaluated and measured. SMART goals help ensure that goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, setting the foundation for success in personal and professional endeavors.