Hugh Curley

Business and Success: S.M.A.R.T. Goals

S.M.A.R.T. Goals

To be successful, your goals must be S.M.A.R.T.

Specific. Exactly what do you want and what are you willing to give to get it. For instance a goal of, “More Respect,” is not specific. It could mean more respect from wealthy people, educated people, or bullies. The means of attaining that respect would be quite different. A more specific goal would be, “The X society of my town will invite me to speak at their luncheon.”

Measurable. You, I and anyone else should be able to tell when you have met your goal. “My goal is a more comfortable lifestyle,” is not measurable. “My goal is to have $2,000,000 net worth” is measurable. “My goal is to have a home that has 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, is 3400 square feet and is on five acres of land,” is measurable.

Ambitious. Your goals must be big, must be significant. Small, easy goals will not excite you and therefore you will lose interest in them. Set ambitious goals – something that excites you – so you jump out of bed each morning with a desire to work on your goal.

Realistic. “My goal is to drive in the Indianapolis 500 race,” is not realistic. Even A. J. Foyt, who drove in the race during four decades quit when he was younger than I am now. I have not been willing, nor am I willing now, to expend the time, money and effort to achieve that goal. Setting it would only lead to frustration and another missed goal. “My goal is to win the regional enduro go-kart race,” is much more realistic. “I will bench press double my weight,” may be realistic for some of us, but not for a quadriplegic. Our goal must be relevant to our desires and capabilities.

Time limited. The goal must have a time limit. If we say, “in the future,” the realization of that goal will always be in the future. There is a saying that perhaps is humorous, “If it were not for the last minute, nothing would get done.” Set a deadline for reaching the goal, then keep that deadline in mind to give a sense of urgency.

Of course, our goals must support our dreams and desires and must be supported by our core values as stated in a previous blog.

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