Examples of SMART Goals and Objectives

Use SMART principles and you can achieve your goals.

A number of examples of SMART goals and objectives can be used for inspiration. The difference between an idea and a goal is that a goal has a plan for moving from the idea stage to the point where what you want to accomplish is a reality. If you think, "Someday I would like to…", this is an idea or a wish but not a goal. While these ideas certainly have their place in our lives, it is unrealistic to call them goals without a plan.

SMART Goals Defined

SMART goals can be described as follows:

S - Specific
M - Measurable
A - Attainable
R - Realistic
T - Timely

Specific and Measurable

In order to be successful in reaching a goal, you must have a clear picture in your mind of what you want to achieve. Include a set number or level wherever possible. You may say to yourself, "I want to lose weight, make more sales, or save more money." These are not examples of SMART goals and objectives because they are not specific enough: How much weight do you want to lose? How many sales (dollar amount or number) do you want to make? How much money do you want to save per week, month, or year? You need to have a precise picture of what you want the end result to be in your mind.

Attainable and Realistic

The goals you set for yourself need to be attainable and realistic. Is the goal something you have skills and abilities to achieve? Is this goal something you are motivated to achieve? Are you prepared to take steps and perform tasks necessary to achieve your goal?

Whether a goal is attainable has a lot to do with the amount of effort a person is willing to put toward reaching the goal. The goal must be realistic as well; you can't expect to lose 20 lbs. in two weeks, for example. You could set a goal to lose 20 lbs. in 20 weeks, though. That is a realistic goal.

As far as professional goals are concerned, you could strive to increase sales by 10 percent over a 12-month period or see five new clients or potential customers each week.

Timely

If you are thinking about goals and objectives, they need to be timely. This means the goal must have a specific timeframe attached to it. Determine how long you will give yourself to reach the goal, either in days, weeks, or months, or set a specific date by which you will reach the goal.

Mark this goal date on your calendar and display it in plain sight. This serves as a reminder and helps keep you motivated. Divide the steps involved in reaching your goal into smaller steps. As you achieve each of these levels on the road to successfully achieving your goal, make a note of them on the calendar or on a list. Celebrate these smaller victories and use them to stay motivated.

Other Examples of SMART Goals and Objectives

Here are some other examples of SMART goals and objectives:

I am going to find a job with a [small/medium/large] business in my field. I will contact [number] of potential employers each [day/week/month]. By [date], I will be working in this new employment opportunity.

I will sign up for a membership at the [gym/social club]. I am committed to attending [number] of times per [week/month]. I will schedule time on my calendar to participate in this activity and keep track of how often I go. By [date], I will have [gone/attended] [number] of times.