How To Write SMART Goals in 5 Steps (With Examples)

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A man writes on a white board, next to text that reads:

What Are SMART Goals?

- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time-based

Setting project goals and meeting deadlines can seem overwhelming, especially if you have team members relying on your contributions or a manager overseeing your progress. Learning how to set specific SMART goals can help you face your next looming deadline with confidence.

In this article, we discuss the five elements of creating SMART goals and we offer an example that will guide you through this process each step of the way.

What are SMART goals?

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The SMART Goals image shows the acronym SMART down the left side of the image. Next to each letter is the word that correlates to each letter and the definition of each part. On the right side of the image are simple icons of a target, a sheet of paper and an arrow, a mountain scene with a flag, a pencil with a checkmark and squiggles, and a small calendar with a date circled.

The text reads:

S - Specific - Make your goal specific and narrow for more effective planning

M - Measurable - Make sure your goal and progress are measurable

A - Achievable - Make sure you can reasonably accomplish your goal within a certain time frame

R - Relevant - Your goal should align with your values and long-term objectives

T - Time-based - Set a realistic but ambitious end date to clarify task prioritization and increase motivation

Simply put, SMART goals are specific, measurable and actionable. By using a series of five benchmarks that comprise the SMART method, you’ll be able to create concise goals and action steps that will keep you on track.

How can specific goals make a difference? Consider this example of a vague goal, and how this same goal could be expressed after using the SMART Method:

Vague goal: I want to help my department stay on budget this year.

SMART goal: Each month, I will distribute a budget report that shows our department’s current expenses in comparison to our allotted annual budget and I will highlight areas where we are overspending. Based on our current spending, I will offer suggestions on how to cut expenses so that we are back within budget.

Your SMART goal is now something measurable and actionable with enough specifics to help you achieve real results. Keep reading to see exactly how we went from a vague goal to a SMART goal.

How to set SMART goals using the SMART method

Let's take a closer look at the five components of creating a SMART goal.

1. Make your goal SPECIFIC

The first step in creating a SMART goal is to make it specific. Consider your goal in quantifiable terms by asking yourself the following questions:

What do I want to accomplish?
Will achieving this goal have an important impact?
What actions will I need to take?

Applying SMART "Specific" criteria: “I will distribute a budget report."

Related: Stretch Goals vs. SMART Goals: What's the Difference?

2. Make your goal MEASURABLE

This step in the SMART process prompts you to apply methods of measuring your progress toward achieving your goal. Being measurable also takes into account any actions you would implement to help you further your progress toward your goal. For instance, this may take the form of tracking the time it takes you to complete an action or meet a milestone.

Applying SMART “Measurable” criteria: "I will distribute a budget report that shows our department’s current expenses in comparison to our allotted annual budget."

Related: 10 Career Development Goals

3. Make your goal ACHIEVABLE

This aspect of the SMART strategy relates to your goal being achievable. Do you have the resources and time needed to achieve the goal? This may include gathering necessary data, asking team members for help and learning new skills. You're more likely to be successful in your goal once it is specific, measurable and deemed achievable.

Applying SMART “Achievable” criteria: "I will distribute a budget report that shows our department’s current expenses in comparison to our allotted annual budget and I will highlight areas where we are overspending."

Related: Interview Question: “What Are Your Future Goals?”

4. Make your goal RELEVANT

A relevant goal will directly contribute to successful results. Keep in mind that every action you take should move you closer to your goal. In our example, a relevant goal will directly reduce expenses.

Applying SMART “Relevant” criteria: "I will distribute a budget report that shows our department’s current expenses in comparison to our allotted annual budget and I will highlight areas where we are overspending. Based on our current spending, I will offer suggestions on how to cut expenses so that we are back within budget."

Related: Setting Goals To Improve Your Career

5. Make your goal TIME-BASED

A time-based goal has a specific time deadline. You’ll want to determine if your goal is a short-term or long-term goal (or a combination of both). From there, you can determine a timeline and set a schedule to meet deadlines and accomplish your objective. Your timeline should also be realistic and allow you plenty of opportunities to make adjustments to your goal regarding its relevance, specificity and achievability. Consider the final step in the SMART process in the following example.

Applying SMART "Time-based" criteria: "Each month this year, I will distribute a budget report that shows our department’s current expenses in comparison to our allotted annual budget and I will highlight areas where we are overspending. Based on our current spending, I will offer suggestions on how to cut expenses so that we are back within budget."

This goal now fits all the criteria of a SMART goal because it shows how specific the objective is, outlines a way to measure progress, is achievable and relevant to the desired outcome, and sets up a timeline for each milestone.

SMART goals can be an efficient and important tool for teams when collaborating on projects. For expert advice on how communication skills can help you at work, please check out my video below.