S.M.A.R.T. | 5 Pointers in Setting Goals

S.M.A.R.T. | 5 Pointers in Setting Goals

Last time, we learn about the steps to achieve our goals, and just as promised, we will dig into it a bit more. Today, I'll share with you the acronym S.M.A.R.T. which stands for the 5 pointers in goal setting. We can use this pointers to assess our plan and capabilities in achieving our goals.

This tool can be helpful not only in workplaces, but also for personal aspirations.

SPECIFIC

Do you know exactly what you want to accomplish with all the details?

Does 'increase product sales' to vague? Of course, it is. When setting a goal, we should be specific and detailed as much as possible. So instead of saying 'increase product sales,' aim to be particular with its details — what products should increase sales, why it should increase its sales?

Let's say that our goal now is to increase the product sales of shirts with printed quotes. The store haven't sold any shirts of this kind since the last two months.

Now you are going to plan on how to market and promote the shirts.

MEASURABLE

Can you quantify your progress so you can track it? How will you know when you reach your goal?

By measurable, we mean numbers. When we say 'increase sales,' do we mean that if a customer buy two shirts, is that an increase already? Is it what we want? In fact, we would want to get rid the at least half of the shirt stocks in the store.

Let's say that there are 50 pieces of shirts, so our goal is to sell all of it for the next two weeks.

ACHIEVABLE

Is your goal a challenge but still possible to achieve?

Given the plan and strategy that you will set out in order to sell the shirts, you have to ask yourself: will it be difficult but possible? Can we really sell 50 shirts within a week? After planning your sales strategy (i.e. putting it on sale), you realized that this a crazy idea. Finally, you set out a more achievable target. Let's say, your goal now is to sell 25 shirts in a month.

REALISTIC / RELEVANT

Is your goal realistic and within your reach? Are you willing to commit to your goal?

When planning a goal, we must make it realistic. For example, targeting to sell all shirts in 1 week seems difficult, even after you drastically dropped the price. Gradual improvements is much realistic than aiming for 100% in one shot.

TIME BOUND

Does your goal have a deadline?

Goals with deadlines are the best. It keeps you motivated and focused. In our example, we must sell out 25 shirts within a month. That is our deadline. We can also divide the whole month into mini-deadlines, like weekly or bi-weekly, to track our goal.

Image: GlennCarstersPeter via Unsplash

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