"SMART" is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. It's a commonly used framework for setting goals that helps ensure that they are clear, actionable, and attainable. 

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SMART Goals Worksheet

SMART Goal Tracking

How to write your S-M-A-R-T goal

S – Specific

When setting a goal, be specific about what you want to accomplish. Think about this as the mission statement for your goal. This shouldn’t be a detailed list of how you’re going to meet a goal, but it should try to answer most of the popular ‘w’ questions:

• Who is involved to achieve the goal?
• What are you trying to accomplish?
• Which resources are needed, are there any related obstacles?
• Why is this goal important?

Use action words to be clear and specific about the goal. “S” actions may include:

Update	Write	Coordinate	Evaluate	Develop
Provide	Manage	Create	Implement	Plan

Watch out for verbs like “improve,” “reduce,” or “increase”, e.g. “improve customer service” or “reduce cost.” These imply a broad direction, but are not specific actions that you will take to accomplish a change.

M – Measurable

What metrics are you going to use to determine if you meet the goal? You need to have a way to measure progress or determine whether a goal has been achieved.

A measurable goal should address questions such as:

• How much?

• How many?

• How will I know when the goal is accomplished?

If it’s a project that’s going to take a few months to complete, then set some milestones by considering specific tasks to accomplish. Setting milestones to build a series of steps gives you a way to track progress toward completion of your main goal.

A – Achievable

A successful goal needs to be realistic and attainable, but it is a good idea to stretch your abilities. When you set an achievable goal, you may need to identify opportunities or resources that can help you develop the skills needed to accomplish the goal.

R – Relevant

Relevance refers to focusing on things that align with the other goals. Ask the following questions:

• Does this seem worthwhile?

• Is this the right time?

• Does this match with other efforts/needs?

T – Timely (or Time-Bound)

Ask specific questions about the goal deadline and what can be accomplished within that time period. If the goal will take several months to complete, it’s useful to define what should be achieved half-way through the process. Providing time constraints also creates a sense of urgency.