By Jason Hreha

Glossary

SMART Goals

Reviewed by Jason Hreha

Published 2 min read

What are SMART goals?

SMART is a checklist for writing clear objectives. A common version means Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

How to write a SMART goal

  • Specific: What exactly will you do or achieve?
  • Measurable: What observation will show progress or completion?
  • Achievable: Is it feasible with the time, skill, and resources available?
  • Relevant: Why does this goal matter for your purpose?
  • Time-bound: By when, or over what period?

The letters have changed

Doran's 1981 article used Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic, and Time-related. “Assignable” asks who will do the work. “Achievable” asks whether it can be done. State which version you are using.

Example

“Complete the first three modules of the course by the end of this month” gives an action, an observable endpoint, and a deadline. Whether it is achievable and relevant depends on your time, resources, and reason for taking the course.

A household goal mapped to each criterion

Consider the hypothetical goal: “Put $100 into a bicycle fund each month for the next six months, reaching $600 by the end of month six.” Using the common modern version:

  • Specific: The action is a monthly contribution to a named fund.
  • Measurable: Account records show the deposits and whether the balance reaches $600.
  • Achievable: This is feasible only if the person’s budget has $100 available after necessary expenses.
  • Relevant: It serves the person’s chosen purpose of buying a bicycle; that purpose must actually matter to them.
  • Time-bound: There are six monthly contributions and a final deadline.

The numbers make the goal clear, not automatically wise or attainable. A changed budget may require revising the amount or date.

SMART behavior goal example

“Practice the course exercises for 20 minutes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday this month” specifies an action and schedule. It differs from the outcome goal of passing the exam. Check that the schedule fits the learner and that the practice is useful for the skill being learned.

Why it matters

A clearly written target is easier to interpret. It can still be the wrong target. The original article provides a management checklist.

Research on goal difficulty, commitment, feedback, and learning addresses questions the checklist alone cannot answer.

Sources and further reading