How to set SMART objectives: definition and examples (2024)

FAQs

How to set SMART objectives: definition and examples? ›

An example of a SMART-goal statement might look like this: Our goal is to [quantifiable objective] by [timeframe or deadline]. [Key players or teams] will accomplish this goal by [what steps you'll take to achieve the goal]. Accomplishing this goal will [result or benefit].

An example of a SMART-goal statement might look like this: Our goal is to [quantifiable objective] by [timeframe or deadline]. [Key players or teams] will accomplish this goal by [what steps you'll take to achieve the goal]. Accomplishing this goal will [result or benefit].

A SMART objective is one that is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. SMART objectives provide the details for how a group or organization will achieve a goal.

Examples of SMART goals should be: Specific – Provides a clear description of what needs to be accomplished. Measurable – Provides a metric, or number, that identifies when the objective has been achieved. Attainable – The objective must be achievable, within the timeframe and resources allocated.

For instance, when writing out your goals, you would include the number of days you aim to exercise, or the amount of money you've saved, the percentage of body fat you will lose, the earnings you make each week, the number of contacts you will make each day, or the number of resumes that will be sent out each week.

Measurable: By December, I will only have organic foods and healthy snacks in my pantry. Achievable: I will see a nutritionist to design a healthy eating plan. Relevant: This will cure some of my nagging ailments e.g. fatigue, lower back pain. Time-based: In September I will change my eating habits.

An objective is something you plan to achieve. A military objective is the overall plan for a mission. The objective for a bake sale is to raise money. If your objective is to learn a new word, you have succeeded.

Realistic SMART Goals

A SMART goal must be realistic in that the goal can be realistically achieved given the available resources and time. A SMART goal is likely realistic if you believe that it can be accomplished. Ask yourself: Is the goal realistic and within reach?

How many SMART objectives should I set? ›

However, a general guideline is to aim for a range of 3 to 7 SMART goals at a time, depending on the factors discussed above. This range can help you maintain a balance between quality and quantity, and avoid the pitfalls of setting too many or too few goals.

A SMART goal meets the criteria of the terms of the acronym SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time Bound. five "W" questions: What: What do I want to accomplish? Why: Specific reasons, purpose or benefits of accomplishing the goal.

Bad: I'm going to lose 20 lbs. Good: I'm going to lose 2 lbs. every week by choosing healthy meal options over processed foods. Bad: I want to make money on the stock market.

Setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives is a good way to plan the steps to meet the long-term goals in your grant. It helps you take your grant from ideas to action.