Do you know the difference between a wish and a goal? A wish is like a soap bubble: beautiful to look at, but hardly tangible. A goal, on the other hand, is like a golf ball: clear, concrete and tangible.
Whether you can achieve your goals depends largely on how precisely you define them and whether they are compatible with your life. If you want to formulate achievable goals, you need the golf ball! Use the 5 steps of the SMART framework.
S for Specific: Describe your goal precisely
Vague goals such as “more orders” or “better project management” often remain unachieved. You need clarity: What exactly do you want to achieve? What should the result look like?
Examples:
- Instead of “more sales”: “I want to win 8 additional orders in area XY to increase my sales by 20%.”
- Instead of “better organization”: “I want to optimize my team meetings by introducing fixed agendas and limiting the duration to a maximum of 45 minutes.”
- Start with a clear picture of your goal. The more concrete, the better!
M for measurable: numbers make goals tangible
Without clear measurements, you don't know whether you have achieved your goal. Ask yourself:
- How many orders, customers or sales do I need?
- How much time do I want to save through more efficient processes?
- What are specific milestones along the way?
Examples:
- “I want to win 8 new orders in area XY.”
- “I want to reduce the processing time for customer inquiries by 20% by implementing a new CRM system.”
- “I start my coaching business with 5 first clients.”
Without measurable values, your goal remains vague - and that can lead to frustration.
A for Attractive: Why do you want to achieve your goal?
Motivation is the key. Your “why” determines whether you pursue your goal even in difficult moments. Formulate your goal in such a way that it inspires you.
Examples:
- “I want 8 new orders for 20% more turnover to build a team and have more free time.”
- “I am optimizing my internal processes to gain 5 more hours per week for strategic planning.”
- “I'm starting my coaching business to lead a self-determined life.”
A strong reason makes your goal irresistible.
R for realistic: Does your goal fit into your life?
Check what compromises are necessary. Ask yourself:
- How will my goal affect my family, work or leisure time?
- What obstacles could arise and how can I overcome them?
Examples:
- “I prioritize my goals, even if I have less time for hobbies.”
- “I invest more time in my coaching business and look for a part-time job.”
- “I am optimizing my team structure to create capacity for new projects.”
Plan how you can reconcile your goal with your everyday life.
T for deadline: Give your goal a deadline
A goal without a deadline remains a wish. Set clear deadlines:
- “I'll process 8 new orders by the end of the year.”
- “I'll implement a new CRM system by September 30.”
- “I will win 5 clients for my coaching business by March 31.”
Interim goals help you to monitor progress.
How do you get into action?
A big goal can be intimidating. Start with a clear first step that is concrete, small and achievable.
Examples:
- “I'm revamping my website to showcase my offering more prominently.”
- “I'll create a checklist for more efficient team meetings and test it at the next meeting.”
- “I'll research where my target customers are and start canvassing there.”
Every small step brings you closer to your goal. The SMART framework helps you to turn vague dreams into clear goals. With specific, measurable, attractive, achievable, realistic and time-bound goals, you can achieve great success.
Take the first step today and stick with it - your goal is worth it!
