SMART Goals: How to Set and Achieve Goals That Stick

Setting goals is an essential part of personal and professional growth. One of the most popular methods for goal-setting is the SMART framework.

However, even with this proven technique, research shows that 82% of individuals don’t achieve their New Year’s resolutions, and 90% of businesses fail to meet their strategic goals. Why? Because creating effective goals isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about aligning them with your life and work in meaningful ways.

What Are SMART Goals?

The SMART method, introduced in 1981 by George T. Doran, is a tried-and-true approach to defining and achieving objectives. The acronym stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound, and it provides a solid foundation for both personal and professional success.

Breaking Down the SMART Framework

S – Specific

A vague goal is a weak goal. Be crystal clear about what you want to achieve. Ask yourself: What does success look like? For example, instead of saying, “improve my fitness,” define it as “run a 5K in under 30 minutes.”

M – Measurable

How will you know when you’re making progress? Define clear metrics for your goal. For instance, “increase website traffic by 20% within three months” is a measurable goal. Tracking these benchmarks will keep you focused and motivated.

This is especially valuable in knowledge-based work, where you could spend untold time refining and perfecting your work beyond what was needed.

A – Achievable

Goals should stretch you, but they also need to be realistic. Assess whether you have the resources, skills, or support required to meet your goal. If not, identify gaps and work on bridging them.

One of the alternative definitions of the SMART acronym lists the A as assignable, specifying who will do it. Regardless of which version you choose to reference, there must be someone who owns the goal and will take responsibility for driving it to completion.

R – Relevant
Your goals should align with your long-term objectives. At work, this means linking them to business priorities; in your personal life, it’s about ensuring they fit your overall lifestyle and ambitions.

T – Time-Bound
Every goal needs a deadline. A clear timeframe creates urgency and accountability. For example, “complete a professional certification within six months” is time-bound and actionable. If your SMART goal is over 12 months long, consider breaking it down into 2 or 3 incremental goals to stay motivated.

Take Your Goals to the Next Level

While SMART goals provide an excellent foundation, modern workplaces and lifestyles often mean we are working on multiple goals at once. This can be overwhelming and there is a risk that achieving one goal may come at the expense of another, especially if you are looking at your work and personal life together. 

Here are four essential questions to improve your goals:

1. Is it simple?
   Complexity often leads to procrastination. If you can’t explain your goal in one sentence, it might be worth simplifying it. Break complex goals into smaller, actionable steps. Keep your SMART goals simple so you – and others – can easily understand what you are trying to accomplish.
   
   
2. Is it aligned with your vision?
   Long-term success comes from consistency. Does your goal move you closer to your broader life or career ambitions? Use this as a litmus test to ensure you’re not spreading yourself too thin.
   
   
3. Does it encourage growth?
   A meaningful goal challenges you to step outside your comfort zone. Ensure your goals provide opportunities for skill development or personal growth.
   
   
4. Why this goal?
   Understanding the “why” behind your goal is key to staying motivated. Visualise what success will look and feel like and connect it to what comes next.

Staying Accountable to Your Goals

Even the best-laid plans can falter without regular review and accountability. Here are some tips to keep yourself on track:

• Document your goals: Write them down and revisit them weekly or monthly.
• Use tools to track progress: Calendar apps, task managers, or even a simple checklist can help you stay organised.
• Celebrate milestones: Acknowledge progress to keep your motivation high.
• Be flexible: Life is unpredictable. Adjust your goals as needed to stay aligned with your priorities.

Your Next Step: The Goal Ladder

Ready to put theory into practice? Download The Goal Ladder  and follow its ten-step process to discover your potential, define meaningful goals, and create actionable plans. From discovering your “why” to breaking down goals into achievable steps, this goal setting guide will help you bridge the gap between intention and achievement.