Regardless of its subject area--life, business, marketing or a specific project--planning is about setting goals and identifying appropriate actions to be taken to achieve these goals.
While everyone agrees that goals are an essential planning element, there is no such agreement on the essential elements of individual goals.
After being introduced to the concept of strategic planning several years ago, I came across the idea of SMART goals.
In the event this idea is new to you, SMART is an acronym representing the combined terms Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-based. 
Over the years, the idea of SMART goals has proven very helpful in setting goals that accurately describe the outcomes that I...and in consulting engagements, my clients...desire.
A few years ago I came across an expanded version of the proven concept of SMART goals.
Life is so much more complex now than it was when I first learned abut SMART goals...it only makes sense that each letter of the word smart should represent more than one term.
Here is the expanded version of SMART goals for your consideration.
S:
- Specific
- Synergistic
- Systematic
M:
- Measurable
- Magical
- Meaningful
- Motivational
A:
- Achievable
- Accountable
- Actionable
- Agreed-upon
R:
- Realistic
- Relevant
- Results-oriented
- Rooted in facts
T:
- Time-based
- Tangible
- Thoughtful
Although all 18 elements contribute to setting SMART goals, you do not need all of them.Select as many elements as you need to personalize your goals.
The SMARTer your goals, the better your planning. And better your planning, the better the results you will achieve.
To learn more about SMART goals see Setting SMART Goals Are Key To Astute Marketing.
Comments (5)Subscribe to CommentsComment