December is one of the busiest months, but it can also be an exciting time for personal and professional reflection and planning goals. Setting goals helps us stay motivated and in a growth mindset. So, what better time than now?
I was assigned the task of writing this blog post and wondered how I could connect the ideas of reflection and goal setting for the topic. As I looked back on the learning experiences, I have had at DFCI over the past months, I remembered I was introduced to the SMART Method for goal planning during a LinkedIn Learning course titled “Setting Team and Employee Goals using the SMART Method.” I thought that this was the perfect opportunity to share what I have learned and demonstrate how to apply the SMART method. Let me show you how simple it can be.
I am actively applying the SMART method towards my goal of completing the Project University course work. I am engaged in the program, and I have already attainted level 1 Project Management. The exposure to project management will allow me to better serve the organization in my role as a Collaborative Productivity Tools Application Analyst. I’m fully committed to reaching this goal. I believe the SMART method will help me because it provides the clarity and motivation, I need to stay focused and on track.
Reflection Questions
Before diving into goal setting, it is important to consider a few reflection questions. Your responses to these questions will help you bridge the gap between where you currently are and where you want to be.
- What was one goal you set last year and achieved?
- What went well? How did you measure your successes?
- What did not go well, and how did you adjust?
- What brought you the most happiness this past year?
- What sucked the energy out of me this past year?
- What was one goals you set over this past year that did not get accomplished?
- What got in the way of me achieving the goal?
- What were the positive or negative impacts to others?
SMART Method
The SMART acronym represents specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based. The method serves as a structured approach to setting goals and creating a clear path to accomplishing them while monitoring progress along the way. Some of the benefits of using this method include increased focus, motivation, and a higher likelihood of achieving your goal.
Specific
This is where you write your goal statement. Ask yourself what you want to achieve. A good goal statement includes what, why, who, where and when. The more specific the goal is the easier it will be to define success.
Example – Complete Project University Curriculum by attending classes and following through with evaluation requirements through HealthStream.
Measurable
How will you track progress and measure the result of your goal? How will you know when you have achieved your goal?
Example – View Project University Curriculum online. Enroll in classes and track my progress in HealthStream. Reach out to training team if I have questions about the status of my plan.
Achievable
Is your Goal doable? Do you have the necessary skills and resources?
Example – I believe it is achievable if I register for classes on time and build them into my schedule, but it’s important to give priority to my full-time job.
Realistic
Your goal should be challenging but realistic, meaning it’s achievable with proper action.
Example – There are multiple course requirements, and it will take time to progress, but if I take action to check my progress, continue to attend, and complete requirements I can achieve my goal on time.
Time Based
Goals must have a deadline. Without deadlines, it’s easy to put goals off and forget them. As well as a deadline, it’s a good idea to set short-term milestones.
Example – Project University course work is structured into four categories and levels within making each a milestone: Change Management, Process Improvement, Project Management, and Soft Skills. Breaking it down this way helps measure progress.
Happy New Year!
Now is the time to improve a thing or two and make the next calendar year better than the one before. Reflection helps us learn from the past and identify what motivates us. The SMART method helps us set goals that are specific, relevant, achievable, and time based. Together reflection and goal setting can help create purposeful progress and keep you on track towards achieving your dreams. Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year!