to build a house, then avoid a goal that reads “My goal is to save money for a house”, which is not clear on, for example, how much you plan to save per month and therefore abstract in context. A better goal would read “My goal is to save x amount per month towards construction of a house.” That gives a specific outcome that can guide on laying strategies towards the “the how” to get the money.

Measurable goals have a parameter of measure. In the example above, the amount x of money to be saved in a month is the measure.

Achievable goals are set with  motivating targets in mind. The goals should not be overwhelming. They can always be adjusted upwards with time.

Realistic or Relevant goals apply to the one setting goals. One cannot set goals on behalf of somebody else because the one setting them is accountable for their achievements. In addition, one has to look at the availability of resources that will make the goal realistic. In our example above, one cannot aim at a monthly saving of KES 50,000/- when your total income per month is 45,000/- as clearly that is not realistic.

A goal must be time-bound. That means that it has to have a a time by when it will be achieved .

Let us look at an example of a SMART objective of one John who plans to set up a residential house. His goal would read like this: "To save KES X effective January 20xx towards building own residential house by  December 20zz by saving KES Y per month."

Once the objective is set, the next course of action is to list key people who could directly or indirectly contribute towards achieving your goal without necessarily knowing details about it. One key person, who I will call a Coach, is the one who you will be accountable to and who will have details of your objective, help you with setting up of progress review dates, challenge and encourage you along the way and celebrate with you for milestones achieved. It is advisable to avoid dream killers at all costs.

Three things to remember.
1) Tie your every action to your goal. Before embarking on any activity, including any expenditure, ask yourself questions that will help you stay the course: "Is this in line with my objective?". "How will this help me in achieving my objective?" Avoid any activity that will derail your objective.
2) Track and review your progress periodically. This will not only motivate you more but also help you in realigning your strategies towards achieving your goal.
3) Celebrate achieving your goal at the end of it all.

Happy goal setting and looking forward to celebrating your achievement with you.

 

Courtesy, 

Mr. Murugu Karitu, Certified Performance Management Improvement and Career Coach. Food Technologist and Manufacturing Consultant.( Former FM Nestle, former GM James Finlays)