SMART Goals

When you set goals, make sure they are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound

Specific

• What will be accomplished? What specific actions will you take?
• Think of this as a mission statement. You should be able to precisely state what the outcome of your work or effort will be.

Measurable

• What “data” will you use to measure your goal or to determine if it has been met?
• If this is a long term goal, what milestones (or sub-goals) will you need to meet on the way to achieving it?
• Measurement methods can be both quantitative and qualitative. Use the measurement form that best suites your specific goal.

Achievable

• Can you reasonably accomplish the goal? Do you have the necessary skills or resources?
• If you don’t currently have the skills need to achieve the goal, how will you acquire them? These can be some of your measurable milestones.

Relevant

• Does this particular goal align with broader project or personal goals?
• How is the outcome important?

Time-bound

• What is the time frame for accomplishing this goal?
• Is it realistic?