In achieving success, it is important to set goals. This can be done in many different ways, but not all are equally effective. Sometimes the reason for this is the objectives: the very way they are formulated affects whether they will actually be achieved. One of the more effective solutions to this issue is the SMART methodology. What is it and what are its advantages? We answer.
The SMART method - what is it?
The SMART technique is a concept to help you plan and outline goals that you can achieve in a realistic and specific way. You can think of it as a road map - you map out a path to your goal and turn it into concrete steps. This approach eliminates generalities, sets a clear timetable for action and makes it easier to track progress.
Although the SMART Rule was originally developed for the wider business world, it has also gained popularity in other areas due to its simplicity and versatility. 
What are the main principles of the SMART method?
SMART is an acronym derived from the English words specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, timely bound. These are principles to follow in order to formulate a goal correctly and then achieve it. Let's look at each rule separately.
- Specific - this point states that each objective must be clearly and precisely defined. It must not leave room for free interpretation. Correctly defining one's own needs and priorities is crucial in this case. It is good practice to base goals on specific numbers or values.
- Measurable - in line with the SMART principle, a properly formulated objective fulfils the principle of measurability. Then you are not only able to determine the progress of implementation, but you are also able to indicate where you are at and how much work still lies ahead.
- Achievable - a goal can be ambitious and even challenging, but it must remain achievable. If this rule is not met, you will lose motivation and as a result you will not achieve your plan. It is worth identifying exactly what resources you have at your disposal and the resources needed to achieve your goal.
- Relevant - the objective should be important to the company, in line with its core values. Otherwise, employees or yourself may lose commitment.
- Timely bound - setting goals according to the SMART method also means defining a clear timetable and setting a date by which you want to achieve it. Concrete deadlines have a mobilising and streamlining effect.
It is worth noting that specialists develop the acronym SMART in different ways - each letter of the acronym refers to a variety of characteristics. Sometimes the letter 'A' stands for attractive, 'R' refers to realistic, 'M' focuses on motivation. For this reason, it is worth familiarising yourself with the various definitions of the concept in order to choose the best method for you. 
Is it worth planning goals using the SMART method?
Setting clear, measurable and achievable goals brings you closer to success. The SMART method, on the other hand, is child's play and universal, so it is worth exploiting its potential in your business, whatever industry you are in. There is nothing stopping you from applying it to everyday life as well. Of course, it takes time to set goals using this method, but it will simply pay off in the long run. What's more, you can use this concept yourself; you don't need the support of specialists. Now that you know that it is worthwhile to formulate goals using the SMART rule, let's move on to its advantages. And there are quite a few!
What are the advantages of using the SMART method?
The SMART method has many benefits. First of all, it makes it easier to prioritise and concretise goals - from personal, educational to professional. This contributes to productivity and greater efficiency.
By keeping your defined goals vague, you can focus on what you want to achieve. Clear goals are conducive to staying motivated. SMART goals help you to focus your completion time in the right perspective.
Following this lead, you know how much time you have to achieve your goal. This makes you more likely to do what you need to do to complete the task on time. If you don't set specific timeframes for your goals, you will put off action. As a result, you may never reach them.
This technique is also useful in teamwork. The SMART method improves communication and coordination within a team. It also helps to avoid management mistakes and to choose the best ways and strategies to achieve a goal. It helps everyone know what the company is aiming for and how. This contributes to more effective work.
Although the SMART technique saw the light of day in the 1980s, it is still considered one of the best and most effective methods for planning goals. It will work well for large and ambitious goals as well as smaller ones. It is used by global giants around the world as well as small, family-run businesses. As you can see - anyone can successfully implement it.
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