Dec 14, 2022
Right now, you're probably taking it day by day. That's a great strategy, but knowing what to accomplish each day comes from the goals you set at the beginning of the year. Yes, goal-setting can be daunting and we put it off, but with a SMART process you can make goal-setting easy.
SMART goals are tangible targets that you set and commit to reaching over a period of time. They should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-based. Each goal should have all of these characteristics to make sure you start on the right foot. Craft each goal carefully after reflecting on what you, your team or your organization want to accomplish to continue growth and success.
When you follow a process of goal setting and measurement, you set yourself up for success. You’re building a roadmap for the future. Over the last two years, we’ve witnessed that anything can happen. There will always be demands for your time and asks for resources that you’ve already allocated. SMART goals allow you to do something very powerful, saying “no.” Suppose your team, other departments or even a manager asks for a project that is outside the guardrails of your organization's goals; you have the framework to take on the project or explain why you can’t.
What metrics are you going to use to define success? If you want more leads or web traffic, make sure to align your goal with the appropriate tools that will give you markers throughout the goal duration.
This is where SMART goals are made or missed. Achievable is a sliding scale, and everyone’s circumstances are different. Remember that you need to go outside of your comfort zone to change and grow. What you get out of your goals is what you put into them. If you want more website conversions, leads or to write more business, you have to be willing to push yourself and think of unique ways to achieve your goals.
If your goals are business-related, make sure they align with your overall business goals. Your organization's goals might be to grow market share or build an office in a new city, which means your goals should be related to writing new business, being visible in the community or other activities that relate.
Setting a time or a date for your goal sounds easy, right? Pick a date, start your goal and poof, magic happens. Remember that if a goal lacks realistic timing, you’re not going to succeed. Be honest about how long a goal will take, and if your goal spans months or even the entire year, create checkpoints throughout the timeline of your goal to keep yourself on track.
Crushing your goals in 2023. While there isn't a standard of how many goals you should have, three is an achievable number. You can get detailed on what you want to achieve, and that leaves time for the work that needs to be done and adjustments that need to be made.
You have the foundation to build SMART goals. For more examples of SMART goals and SMART goal templates, search online for "SMART templates" and find the one right for you.
Setting goals and achieving them are rewarding experiences. They help drive your personal and professional success. Empower yourself to move outside your comfort zone, achieve your goals and have a great year.
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