How to Set SMART Goals: 5 Steps to Achieve Your Dreams
If you want to succeed, the first step is to set a clear goal. Your goal should be SMART—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. If your goal isn’t SMART or you don’t know how to set one, follow these powerful steps to help you.
It’s important to write your goal down. A 1979 survey showed that 84% of people don’t set goals, 13% set goals only in their minds, and 3% write their goals down. The 13% who set mental goal had more growth than the 84% who set no goals, but the 3% who wrote their goals down had significantly more growth than those who only kept their goals in their minds. Writing your goal is crucial for achieving success.
Here is the Video Information:-
How To Set SMART Goal & Objectives
In English Audio
SMART Formula of SUCCESS | Goal Setting (2023) | SONU SHARMA
In Hindi Audio
1. Specific(s)
Be specific, ladies and gentlemen, about what you want in life because clarity is power. To achieve success, you must know what you want to become and what you want to achieve. Many people lack this clarity. Think of it like buying a plane ticket: you need to know your destination, the departure time, and when you will arrive. Goal setting works the same way—you must be clear about what you want to achieve and when you want to achieve it. Without this clarity, your efforts can become unfocused and ineffective.
2. Measurable(M)
Ladies and gentlemen, if you can’t measure your progress, you cannot grow. It’s crucial to regularly assess where you started, where you are today, and how far you’ve come. Measuring your progress allows you to see tangible results and make necessary adjustments. For example, the grades you receive in an exam show you where you stand academically and highlight areas that need improvement. Similarly, in life, setting measurable goals helps you track your achievements and stay motivated. By evaluating your progress, you can ensure that you are moving in the right direction and making meaningful advancements toward your ultimate objectives.
3. Achievable(A)
This is the stage where you must give yourself a serious reality check. Goals should be realistic and achievable. For example, saying you want to build a house on the moon or become immortal isn’t practical. These kinds of goals are unrealistic and unattainable. Always remember, your goals should be challenging yet achievable. Simply talking about your dreams won’t make them come true; they must be grounded in reality. Set goals that push you to grow but are still within the realm of possibility. This way, you can stay motivated and make real progress.
4. Relevant(R)
Let’s think about the big picture here. Why are you setting the goal you’ve chosen? For example, if you aim to run a marathon, you might set a goal like, “I’ll run a marathon.” But ask yourself, why do you want to run a marathon? Maybe it’s because you want to improve your health, and you know that training for a marathon will require you to be in great shape. So, the real goal isn’t just about completing the marathon; it’s about enhancing your health. Understanding the big picture is essential. When you set goals, make sure they align with your deeper motivations and what truly matters to you. This way, your goals will be more meaningful and relevant to your overall aspirations.
5. Time Bound(T)
Have you considered your time horizon? A goal without a deadline is merely a dream. You might envision something great, but without a set date, it remains just a fantasy. Effective goals, particularly SMART goal, need clear timeframes to keep you focused and on track.
Think about your child’s education: at what age do you expect them to finish 10th grade? You’d likely say within a year. There are clear timelines for students, so why shouldn’t we have them too?
When setting your goals, make sure they are time-bound. Whether it’s 6 months, a year, or 2 years, having a specific deadline is essential. Leaving it open-ended is like your child saying, ‘I’ll finish 10th grade someday, maybe in 4-5 years.’ You’d insist on a more precise timeframe because typically it takes just one year per grade. The same principle applies to our goals.
Apply the SMART technique to make your goal clear, achievable, and time-bound. I hope today’s insights on goal setting inspire you to set specific, timely goals that will help you achieve great things in life.