SMART

(this is an excerpt from the Virtual Remote Mentor Guide -DOE-SC-WDTS Programs)

SMART is an acronym for a framework to help guide goal setting. It is intended to ensure that goals are planned, clear, trackable, and reachable. With SMART goals, you are more likely to achieve the goal efficiently and effectively. Below is an overview of the framework to establish SMART goals.

S = Specific

Be specific in what you want to accomplish. A specific goal has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general goal. To set a specific goal you must answer the six “W” questions:

• Who: Who is involved?

• What: What do I want to accomplish?

• Where: Where is located (if applicable)?

• When: When will you complete this?

• Which: Which requirements or constraints are involved?

• Why: Why is this important

M = Measurable

Establish metrics or criteria to determine whether you met your goal. This makes your goal more tangible and provides a means of measuring progress. When progress is measured, you are more likely to stay on track, reach your target dates, and experience the exhilaration of achievement.

To determine if a goal is measurable, ask questions such as……How much? How many? How will I know when it is accomplished?

A = Attainable

Make your goal attainable. Your goal needs to be attainable and realistic to be achievable. When a goal is important to you, you begin to figure out ways to reach it. You develop the attitudes, abilities, or skills and determine the financial capacity or resources to achieve it.

To determine if a goal is attainable, ask questions such as……Is the goal doable? Do I have the necessary resources? Do I have the necessary skills?

R = Realistic

Set a realistic goal. A realistic goal must represent an objective toward which you are both willing and able to work. A goal can be both high and realistic; you are the only one who can decide just how high your goal should be. But be sure that every goal represents substantial progress.

T = Timely

Set a realistic target date to complete your goal. With no time frame tied to your goal, there’s no sense of urgency. If you want to complete an analysis of a dataset, when do you want to finish the analysis? Stating “someday” will not work. But if you anchor it within a time frame, “by July 1st”, then you’ve set your unconscious mind into motion to begin working on your goal.