Setting SMART Goals

Define your goals with clear and specific language. Avoid vague objectives by answering the questions: What do I want to accomplish? Why is this goal important? Who is involved? Where is it located? Which resources or limits are involved?

Establish concrete criteria for measuring progress toward the attainment of each goal. Determine how you will track your progress and how you will know when the goal is accomplished by identifying: What amount, how many, or how will I know when it is accomplished?

Ensure that your goals are attainable and not impossible to achieve. Your goals should stretch your abilities but remain possible. Plan the steps you must take to realize your goal, and consider any constraints that could affect its attainment.

The goals should matter to you and align with other relevant objectives. Make sure that your efforts are worthwhile and that the goal is important to you and your professional or personal development.

Every goal needs a target date, so give yourself a deadline to focus on and something to work toward. This part of the SMART goal criteria helps to prevent everyday tasks from taking priority over your longer-term goals.

While it's important to be specific and time-bound, maintain flexibility and be ready to adjust your goals as needed due to changing circumstances or unforeseen obstacles.

Regularly review and adjust your SMART goals to ensure they remain aligned with your priorities and continue to be achievable within the set timeframes.