Goal Setting is an effective tool in evaluating the progress and to ensure that the goal setter is clearly aware of what is expected of him to achieve an objective. Goal setting being a major component of personal development allows people to specify the objectives and work towards the same to achieve them. The presence of few attributes can be a key factor for determination of an individual’s success or failure in meeting those goals, which can be summed up as S.M.A.R.T.

The S.M.A.R.T. way of achieving goals ensures that you be on track and work towards fulfilling them. Goals most likely to be achieved are:-

Specific
The goals should be identified and based upon certain characteristics. It should be stated in a way that is clearly defined. Just saying, I should work more, cannot be termed as a goal since it is vague and cannot be kept. However, saying I will work for 7 hours everyday, is a goal that is much clear, specific and precise.

Measurable
This attribute is to make sure that you are on the right track. An objective or goal that says, I want to earn more incentive isn’t measurable. On the other hand, if the goal says, I want to earn $500 each month as an incentive is more realistic and measurable. In short, the method of measuring the goal should be defined.

Achievable
The goal should be something that you should be able to do it yourself to achieve it. If the goals are set too high, we might tend to be frustrated or abandon them. If they are set too low, we might let go the opportunity to develop ourselves. It is important to consider the external factors also along with giving due attention to our skills and abilities, while developing goals. If you want to expand your business this year, it isn’t realistic to say, I’m going to win cash prize this year because you have no control over your winning of the prize or not. However, saying, I’m going to increase my sales and profits this year, is something that is achievable by you.

Realistic
Goals that are achievable are better and always motivating. You may feel better when you achieve the goals after a long stint of hitting and losing. The realistic goals should not be something that you achieve frequently nor do they have to be very hard and almost un-achievable. The goals should make sense and be a realistic one.

Time Oriented
The goal should be set in a particular time frame to let you observe the progress and finally to achieve them during that deadline. Deadlines have helped people to stay focused on the progress of the work ultimately leading them to achievement of those goals. Because, a goal without a time frame or schedule just keeps on going and going.

Good project management techniques have stated that goals can be better defined and achieved using the S.M.A.R.T. acronym. This is a popular term in business, so by remembering this acronym, you may create better goals for yourself and your team.