Do you ever feel like you’re running on a hamster wheel and going nowhere? Want to take control of your life and make real progress toward achieving your professional goals?
The SMART framework can help you do just that. Setting well-defined goals is crucial to success in the workplace. In this article, we will explore 13 examples of SMART goals for your work.
What is a SMART Goal?
The SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-based) framework will allow you to establish effective goals for your work.
Are you still confused? Here is a deeper explanation of each SMART component:
Specific
If you’re looking to get ahead in the workplace, setting specific goals is a surefire way to get there. The more precise your goals are, the better your chances of professional success. That’s because having clear targets will help focus your thinking and spur motivation.
Measurable
You can make steady and tangible progress by specifying measurable criteria. It allows you to monitor your performance over time; if something isn’t working as planned, then using measurements enables you to adjust or pivot your strategy efficiently.
Attainable
Make sure you are realistic during the goal-setting process. Unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment and a lack of motivation. On the other hand, realistic goals may seem daunting at first but are much more achievable and provide the opportunity for great success.
Relevant
Goals should be relevant and meaningful to offer a sense of purpose and motivation. When you create goals aligned with your core beliefs, you’ll be able to stay focused even when things get tough.
Time-Based
The journey to success can be a long and winding road, but there is an excellent way to stay the course: map out a specific timeline. Your end date should consider every tiny step that comes along the way. You will be able to break your goals down into manageable chunks.
13 SMART Goals Examples for Your Work
Below you’ll find 13 examples of SMART goals for work:
1. Boost Your Productivity
“I will increase my daily productivity by 10% in the next three months. I aim to review my current workload and delegate tasks to my team. I’ll also commit to taking regular daily breaks to ensure I get enough rest each night.”
Specific: The statement is easy to understand, stating precisely the objective and how it will be attained.
Measurable: The 10% increase in productivity can be tracked and measured over time.
Attainable: Delegating tasks to the team and taking regular breaks is feasible and can boost productivity.
Relevant: This SMART goal is relevant to the individual’s professional growth.
Time-based: Three months is the timeline required for success.
2. Implement Automation Tools
“To increase efficiency and save time, I’ll evaluate three automation tools and implement one by the end of 5 months. I plan to devote more time and resources to other important tasks once this is in place.”
Specific: This goal outlines what needs to be done (evaluate and implement automation tools) and the time frame (5 months).
Measurable: You could measure the progress made toward evaluating and implementing automation tools.
Attainable: Evaluating and implementing automation tools is doable given some research and resources.
Relevant: Automation tools will help increase efficiency and save time in the long run.
Time-based: Goal completion is expected by the end of 5 months.
3. Enhance Collaboration
“Within 6 months, I will have enhanced my collaboration skills by practicing active listening and sharing constructive feedback in team meetings. I’ll also create opportunities to get feedback from team members and use it to improve my collaboration skills.”
Specific: You clearly plan to practice active listening and sharing feedback.
Measurable: Check in with yourself monthly to see how your collaboration skills are improving.
Attainable: It’s possible to enhance collaboration skills within 6 months through practice and feedback.
Relevant: This goal is directly related to your objective of improving team collaboration.
Time-based: You have 6 months available for goal achievement.
4. Expand Network Connections
“I want to build stronger bridges with other businesses and professionals in my industry by the end of 7 months. I plan to attend two industry events and seek new opportunities to collaborate with other companies and professionals in my field.”
Specific: You have precise actions available—attending two industry events and seeking new collaborations.
Measurable: You’ll be able to count the number of events attended.
Attainable: This particular goal is feasible if you are willing to put in the extra effort.
Relevant: Widening your industry contacts and building meaningful relationships is essential.
Time-based: You’re aiming to accomplish the goal within 7 months.
5. Develop Leadership Skills
“I want to become a better leader to manage and motivate my team more effectively. For the 6 months ahead, I will attend a leadership development program and use the new strategies I learn to improve my leadership abilities.”
Specific: The goal is to attend a leadership program and apply the new strategies.
Measurable: This could be evaluated by the achievements gained from using the strategies.
Attainable: This is achievable as long as there are leadership programs available.
Relevant: Improving the team’s performance and work environment is an appropriate goal.
Time-based: You have set a timeline of 6 months to reach success.
6. Learn New Technologies
“I will commit to increasing my tech-savviness by keeping up with the latest technology advances. By attending seminars, workshops, and conferences, I’ll commit to learning at least one new technology every month.”
Specific: The goal clearly states the person’s objective and what measures to take.
Measurable: Keep track of progress with a list of all the technologies learned each month.
Attainable: This SMART goal is possible if seminars, workshops, and conferences are available to attend.
Relevant: Engaging in technology-related activities is a suitable way to increase tech knowledge.
Time-based: The goal is recurring and should be completed in one-month intervals.
7. Improve Work-Life Balance
“I want to be more intentional about my work-life balance. I’ll take at least one day off per week and do something unrelated to work, such as a leisurely activity or exercise. I want to do this for 12 months to better prioritize my life outside the office.”
Specific: The goal is clear: take one day off each week for 12 months.
Measurable: The person can measure the number of days per week they take off over time.
Attainable: This is definitely possible since it doesn’t require substantial lifestyle changes.
Relevant: The statement is directly related to improving work-life balance.
Time-based: The goal should be achieved within 12 whole months.
8. Become an Industry Expert
“I want to become the go-to expert in my field. To do that, I plan on presenting at two industry events and writing two articles for industry publications by the end of the year.”
Specific: The individual has made it clear they want to become an expert in their field.
Measurable: You must present at two industry events and write articles for industry publications.
Attainable: This is absolutely doable with the right resources and effort.
Relevant: The goal relates to their desire to become an industry expert.
Time-based: You have given yourself until the end of the year to attain this goal.
9. Clean Your Workspace
“I will clean and organize my workspace to create a productive environment. I’ll ensure it is free of clutter and that all supplies are well organized and easily accessible within one month.”
Specific: The goal clearly states the objective and deadline.
Measurable: You could check the organization of your workspace at the end of the month.
Attainable: This goal is achievable in one month and requires relatively minimal effort.
Relevant: A clean and clutter-free workspace can encourage you to work more efficiently.
Time-based: The time frame is set for the end of one month.
10. Start a Business
“I want to grow my business and build relationships with like-minded people. My aim is to launch a business by the end of three years that will generate revenue and provide growth opportunities for myself and others.”
Specific: The person wants to launch the business by a certain date and generate revenue.
Measurable: You can track the time spent working on the business and the milestones you hit.
Attainable: This is attainable because it considers the time necessary to launch a business and build relationships.
Relevant: This SMART statement is appropriate because it focuses on building an enterprise that could further the person’s career.
Time-based: The goal is time-bound because it has a specific deadline of three years.
11. Manage Finances Better
“For the duration of 6 months, I’ll create and maintain a more organized system for tracking our company expenses. I want our financial reports to be accurate, updated, and ready for review.”
Specific: This goal is straightforward because it provides a clear plan for creating and maintaining a more organized system for tracking company expenses.
Measurable: Determine your progress by measuring the accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of financial reports.
Attainable: Organizing and tracking company expenses is a reasonable goal.
Relevant: Creating an effective system for tracking finances is vital for keeping businesses running smoothly.
Time-based: Completion of this goal is anticipated after 6 whole months.
12. Reflect on Your Performance
“I will reflect on my performance every month and make changes accordingly. I want to consider what I have done right, what I could improve, and how to better use my skills to reach my goals.”
Specific: This details what you must do (reflecting) and how often you need to do it (monthly).
Measurable: You can measure your performance by writing notes of what went well, what didn’t go as planned, and how to use your skills better.
Attainable: Reflection is a simple task that can be done in as little as 10 minutes.
Relevant: Reflecting on your performance can show you how to improve and reach your goals more effectively.
Time-based: You should perform this task on a monthly basis.
13. Discover New Challenges
“I will identify and develop at least three new challenges in my work within four months. I am committed to continuously improving myself and finding ways to learn and grow.”
Specific: The goal is well-defined, stating the objective and how to reach it.
Measurable: By exploring new challenges, you can check whether you have identified and developed at least three new ones.
Attainable: This is feasible by reviewing your current tasks and identifying areas that could be improved.
Relevant: Identifying and developing new challenges allows you to continuously gain new skills.
Time-based: There is a four-month timeline for completing this goal.
Final Thoughts
The SMART method is an incredibly powerful tool for achieving whatever your heart desires. You’ll be one step closer to reaching success by defining your work goals clearly and holding yourself accountable.
It’s time to take control of your destiny and craft the plan to lead you to a bright future. So what are you waiting for? Start by writing out some SMART goals today, and watch as your dreams become a reality.
