SMART

Back to the glossary index

Definition: SMART is an acronym commonly used to Objectives formulate effectively and increase the probability of their achievement.

Each letter of SMART represents a criterion that a good goal should meet.

The SMART criteria:

  • S – Specific: The goal should be specific and precisely formulated. What exactly do you want to achieve? The more precisely the goal is formulated, the better you can work towards it.
  • M – Measurable: The goal should be measurable. How can you measure your progress? Formulate your goal so that you can recognize when you have achieved it.
  • A – Attractive/Achievable: The goal should be attractive and achievable. Is the goal challenging but still realistic? A goal that's too easy won't motivate you, and a goal that's too difficult can frustrate you.
  • R – Relevant: The goal should be relevant. Does the goal align with your larger goals and values? Think about why you want to achieve this goal and how it fits into your overall picture.
  • T – Time-bound: The goal should be timed. By when do you want to reach the goal? Set a realistic time for achieving your goal to keep yourself focused.

Examples of SMART goals:

  • Unspecific: “I want to get fitter.”
  • SMART: “I will go jogging three times a week for 3 minutes for the next 30 months.”
  • Not measurable: “I want to eat healthier.”
  • SMART: “I will increase my fruit and vegetable consumption to 4 servings per day over the next 5 weeks.”
  • Unreachable: “I want to lose 10 kg in a month.”
  • SMART: “I will lose 6kg in the next 5 months through healthy eating and regular exercise.”
  • Not relevant: “I want to study for 1 hour every day.”
  • SMART: “I will study vocabulary for 2 minutes every day for the next 30 weeks to prepare for my French exam.”
  • Not scheduled: “I want to get a promotion someday.”
  • SMART: “I will have an interview with my manager by the end of the year and present my achievements in order to increase my chances of being promoted next year.”

Advantages of SMART goals:

  • Clarity: SMART goals provide clarity and transparency so you know exactly what you want to achieve.
  • Motivation: SMART goals can be more motivating because you can measure your progress and know when you have achieved your goal.
  • Focus: SMART goals help you focus on what's important and avoid distractions.
  • success control: SMART goals allow you to measure your progress and make adjustments if necessary.
  • Higher probability of success: The likelihood that you will achieve your goals is greater if your goals are SMART.

Application of SMART:

You can use SMART not only for personal goals, but also for professional goals, project goals or Teamgoals.

SMART is a simple and effective tool that can help you achieve your goals.

Keywords: SMART, Goal Setting, Goal Formulation, Specific, Measurable, Attractive, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound, Time-bound

Back to the glossary index