How to Write SMART Goals: A Comprehensive Guide

Jan 4

As a coach and facilitator in the charity sector, I see setting SMART goals as essential for individuals seeking personal and professional growth. Alongside the impact on an individual, setting SMART goals as a team has been proven to be far more successful.

SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, which helps to ensure that your efforts are focused and aligned.

Here are some tips on how to write a really good SMART goal:

Specific: Your goals should be specific and well-defined. Instead of setting a vague goal such as "improve my leadership skills," try setting a specific goal such as "develop my communication skills by practising active listening and clear communication with my team."

Measurable: It is essential to track your progress towards your goals to stay motivated and make adjustments where necessary. Your goals should be measurable so that you can evaluate your progress. For example, instead of setting a goal to "be more productive," set a goal to "increase my productivity by 20% by the end of the quarter."
Achievable: Your goals should be challenging but achievable. Setting unrealistic goals can lead to frustration and disappointment. Consider your skills, resources, and the time available to achieve your goals. For example, instead of setting a goal to "write a funding strategy in a month," set a goal to "write a section per week for the next three months."
Relevant: Consider your values, priorities, and long-term vision when setting your goals. For example, if you are interested in moving into a leadership role in the charity sector, set a goal to "develop my strategic thinking skills by attending a leadership training program."
Time-bound: Your goals should have a deadline to help you stay focused and motivated. Setting a deadline also helps you track your progress and make adjustments if necessary. For example, instead of setting a goal to "make your charity financially stable," set a goal to "diversify income by setting up 3 new income streams by the end of the year."

In conclusion, setting SMART goals is a crucial step towards personal and professional growth in the charity sector. By setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals, you can focus your efforts and track your progress towards your desired outcomes.

Remember to be kind to yourself and celebrate your successes along the way!