|
| |
After working for almost two decades in marketing where we planned and planned and then planned some more I was convinced the world knew about setting goals. Apparently I was wrong so I'm going to take you through a basic process called SMART goal setting.
As you proactively work through your plans you will be motivated to build on your success as each step moves you closer to obtaining a job that is fulfilling and satisfying.
SMART goals set you up for success by keeping you focused, efficient and in action.
The acronym stands for: |
| |
 |
Specific |
|
Measurable |
|
Attainable |
|
Realistic |
|
Timely |
|
| |
We'll use two examples. One is a SMART goal example and the other is not.
SMART example: As of July 1, I will phone five employment agencies that specialise in IT recruitment and go for three agency meetings by the end of July.
Non-SMART example: I will meet with employment agencies. |
| |
|
| |
The SMART goal provides specific guidance on the 'how', 'when' and 'what' will be done to achieve the goal.
Can you see the different between that and the general goal? In the second example we understand we will meet with agencies but we don't know if we are meeting 2 or 30 or by when? |
| |
|
| |
How will you know if you have achieved a goal if you can't measure it?
In our example we've stated we'll contact THREE agencies to obtain THREE interviews BY the end of a period.
Once all these factors are ticked off you know the goal is done.
Going back to our non-SMART example, how would you know if you achieved your goal, how many interviews would it take for it to be complete and over what period?
Establishing specific criteria for reaching a goal allows you to determine how close you are to achieving it. It is also motivating to watch your progress.
Measures usually consist of time, numbers, percentages and dates. |
| |
|
| |
There are two locus of control in life: internal and external. You have the ability to control yourself so a goal tends to be more attainable if it's left up to you.
We sometimes set ourselves up to fail on the external factors which can include: time commitments, relying on others or economic factors.
In our first goal we say we are meeting with three employment agencies over the period of a month and although we're relying on others a reasonable amount of time has been allowed to contact and set up appointments. |
| |
|
| |
Effective goal setting requires you to be reasonably willing and able to achieve your goals.
An unrealistic goal may be: I will call 100 IT agencies and set up 30 agency meetings within one week. Although this might be a viable goal the unrealistic aspect comes into play on the numbers. Of course you can go to IT agencies to discuss your job desires, but it's unlikely you will be able to set up the set meetings in the specified period of time. |
| |
|
| |
| Procrastination is one of the key goal achieving inhibitors. Our SMART goal provides an end of the month time frame. Our other example is open ended, so for those of us who like postponing action the deadline could be in 10 years' time! |
| |
 |
| |
