"A goal properly set is halfway reached."

Zig Ziglar

Author and Motivator

How to Set SMART Goals

posted in Business Coaching

Contents

If your goals aren’t working, maybe it’s not you—it’s your system. SMART goals can transform vague aspirations into actionable outcomes. Let’s dig in.

In case you’re rusty, SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Action-Oriented, Relevant, and Time-bound. At least, this is the variation of the goal-setting acronym we endorse at ViDA.

Interestingly, this acronym has evolved over time, leading to slight variations in the ‘AR’ components. The original SMART framework was introduced by management consultant George T. Doran in the November 1981 issue of Management Review. His version defined the acronym as Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic, and Time-Related. Since then, different interpretations have surfaced, but the core principles remain timeless.

At ViDA we endorse CLEAR goal setting once the individual has mastered SMART goal setting. This is an evolution of SMART goals and adds emotional drivers to complement the tactical clarity that SMART goal setting helps us achieve.

This method excels at transforming vague aspirations into actionable plans, ensuring your goals are clear and attainable. If you’re feeling extra nerdy, the Wikipedia entry on SMART goals dives into the framework’s history and its many interpretations.

Let’s explore how SMART goals work with examples from Olympic rowing, mining leadership, financial advising, and even audiology.

SMART Goals in Action: Olympic Rowing

An Olympic rowing race is a perfect SMART goal:

  • Specific: Row 2000 meters in the fastest time possible.
  • Measurable: First 500 meters in 1:19, second 500 meters in 1:21, third 500 meters in 1:22, last 500 meters in 1:20.
  • Achievable: Elite training programs, coaches and teammates make this goal possible.
  • Relevant: Winning aligns with the team's mission to compete and perform at the highest level.
  • Time-bound: Each race occurs on a specific day and time—no wiggle room.

SMART goals turned a seemingly overwhelming task into a series of focused strokes that delivered Olympic gold.

A Mining Manager’s SMART Transformation

I worked with a senior manager and an engineer from a mining company struggling to lead their team effectively. By adding specificity and measurable outcomes to their team’s objectives, the manager saw immediate results:

  • Specific: Outline tasks for quarterly site audits.
  • Measurable: Track each audit milestone weekly, including safety incidents, compliance rate, and incident resolution rate.
  • Achievable: Use existing tools, meeting structures and software, avoiding unnecessary overhead.
  • Relevant: Directly aligned with operational safety and efficiency goals.
  • Time-bound: Audits completed within each quarter.

Not only did the team achieve more, but individuals grew in their roles. Clear targets helped them focus on high-priority tasks, increasing both performance and engagement.

A Financial Advisor’s Sales Success

A Wells Fargo financial advisor I coached embraced SMART goals to crush his sales targets:

  • Specific: Secure 20 new high-net-worth clients.
  • Measurable: Track weekly outreach, prospect meetings and conversion rates on Salesforce
  • Achievable: Focus on his existing network and referrals.
  • Relevant: Directly supported his year-end bonus structure.
  • Time-bound: Hit the target within 6 months.

With SMART goals, he avoided distractions, doubling his client base and boosting revenue.

Audiology Company Quarterly Goals

An audiology company applied SMART goals to clarify quarterly objectives:

  • Specific: Implement a new email communications plan for clients.
  • Measurable: Track patient reviews on Google reviews, open rates, as well as done / not done.
  • Achievable: This can be done with administrative support.
  • Relevant: Aligned with improving customer communication, care and retention.
  • Time-bound: Complete rollout by quarter’s end.

The big takeaway? This goal took a few quarters to refine the goals to be realistic. Goal-setting is a skill—practice sharpens it.

Mic-Drop Moment: Knowing specifics for your goals will ignite clear actions. The SMART framework isn’t just a method; it’s a discipline that builds champions in sports, business, and life. 🏆