Chapter 2 – Set the SMART goals

One of the main reasons why we don’t achieve our goals is that we don’t have well-defined goals. Most people, when asked what their goals are, can certainly say something general and vague, but what exactly it means to them, whether it is realistic for them, what they would do and give up to achieve it, when they would like to achieve it and even if they know whether they have achieved it, they are not sure they can answer.

In setting meaningful goals, whether in our personal or business lives, the SMART model is of greatest, and perhaps best, help. SMART is an acronym that you can use to guide your goal setting. To make sure your goals are clear and reachable, each one should be:

• Specific (simple, sensible, significant)
• Measurable (meaningful, motivating).
• Achievable (agreed, attainable).
• Relevant (reasonable, realistic and resourced, results-based).
• Time bound (time-based, time limited, time/cost limited, timely, time-sensitive).

Let’s see how it works in real life!

Specific

To set a specific goal, you should know what you want to achieve. The more precise a goal is defined the greater the chance to achieve it. Through precise questions, you/your team conducts yourself to define a specific goal.

• What do you want to achieve?
• Why do you want to do this?
• What do you need to do beforehand?
• Who else is involved?
• What are the requirements and constraints?
• When should you be able to complete it?
• How can you accurately describe the state when you have fully achieved a goal?

Measurable

It is also important to be able to measure the progress and the final achievement. This helps

to keep the motivation and it helps to indicate when the goal is reached.

• How much …..?
• How many …?
• How will you know that the goal is reached?
• How will your neighbour recognise that you achieved your goal?
• What will be different when you have achieved your goal?
• How will you be able to perceive the changes?

Achievable

The goal that you intend to achieve, should be within your power and capability. A goal that requires a change outside of your power will not be achieved when the environment does not have the same goal. It should also be achievable within the time and the resources that you already have.

• How can you achieve this goal on your own?
• What other changes are needed to make the goal achievable?
• How can you impact those changes?
• How much personal power and resource does your goal achievement need?
• How realistic is this in your current situation?
• How can you give yourself the power needed to achieve the goal?

Relevant

A goal should have a strong meaning for you/your school/your school’s students and teachers and should bring an important change in your school’s life. Things that are only important for only a few people (without enough power and influence) cannot be set as an organisational goal. A goal should support the fulfilment of some important values. What does the goal mean to you?

• What are the values that are related to this goal?
• What are the needs and emotions that are related to this goal?
• How far has your life changed after the goal achievement?
• How far does the goal fit into your life vision?
• What happens if you do not change anything?

Time-based

The best goal does not have any value as a goal without defining an end time for it’s complete achievement. Even if the time factor is not relevant for you and your school’s stakeholders, it is essential to set a time-based goal because the mind responds to specific needs. If you don’t set a time to achieve your goals and create an action plan or roadmap your brain will tell you that it’s not important then.

• When do you intend to achieve the goal?
• When is it realistic to be achieved?
• How much time do you need to achieve your goal?
• What else will you have to do during this time?
• How much of your resources (time, energy, effort,…) can you put into this goal?