Before you start, ask yourself a range of necessary “w” questions described above. If your goal is work-related, then it makes sense to communicate with your time and discuss in detail the points of your colleagues. Divide the responsibilities to make sure that the plan will work for each member. If your goal concerns your personal life, focus on your gut feeling and provide a reality check. Remember that in this field, you are the only judge of yourself.
Let us give some examples of using the concept of SMART goals in practice to make the process more visible and clear. The most common field to apply the concept is business, but it also may be used to set personal goals.
Goal #1: I need to complete a project to increase my company’s earnings:
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Specific: The web site of our company is quite popular among users. I want the users who visit it from mobile devices to feel more comfortable, and provide them with a mobile app. To reach this goal, I am going to need the serious involvement of my team.
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Measurable: In case of successful accomplishing of the goal, our mobile app will have 100,000 installs within a year of launch.
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Achievable: I consult the departments that will be involved in the process, and each of them assured me that the goal is possible to reach. I have to manage the process and make sure everyone will do their best and stay focused and motivated. I have already had similar management experiences, so I am sure that I can do it.
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Relevant: Since websites and mobile apps are called not only to inform customers but also to gain their attention, developing an easy-to-use mobile app will attract more clients.
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Time-related: The development of an app requires a lot of work and thorough checking, so I expect the app to be launched by the end of this year.
Goal #2: I want to improve my rhetorical skills:
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Specific: I want people to pay more attention to my ideas. I feel like the problem is the way I deliver them. I want to be more eloquent and persuasive speaking with my co-workers and clients.
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Measurable: I expect those skills to help me build firmer business relations. I will consider my goal reached if I make a deal with a client that I have been struggling to find common ground with.
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Achievable: To obtain the skills, I will need to take an online course that will last for a month. I am also going to read proper literature. It will not take too much time, so I am ready to start this week.
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Relevant: My job is working with people. Rhetorical skills should help me in making deals, attracting clients, and presenting ideas.
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Time-related: I expect to finish my course and literature studying in 2 months and get visible results within 6 months.
Goal #3: I want to learn how to dance salsa:
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Specific: I adore people who dance well. I always wanted to take dance classes myself. I need a place to clear my head and get positive vibes. I expect the dancing school to become this place.
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Measurable: My only metric is my satisfaction. If I like the way I dance, I will consider it a success.
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Achievable: I do not aim to become a professional dancer, so taking classes twice a week will be enough. It also perfectly fits my schedule.
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Relevant: Dancing is not only a fun hobby but also a great physical activity that I desperately need, considering my work in the office. It will positively affect my physical shape and health.
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Time-related: I want to see a result within 6 months.
Goal #4: I want to read 50 books next year:
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Specific: Reading is my hobby, so I want to pay more attention to it this year.
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Measurable: I will measure my success quantitatively (50 books).
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Achievable: To reach my goal, I need to read about 4 books per month. It means 1 book per week. I will watch less films and series to free time for reading.
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Relevant: A great percentage of the books I want to read are related to self-development that will be useful in every sphere of life.
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Time-related: I will complete the goal within a year.