How to Track Smart Goals

SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant or Realistic and Time-bound goals. SMART goals set a target to aim for and assist people in remaining focused on what they want to achieve in the future. Tracking goals helps in visualizing what is important, what works and what does not work as well as strengthening commitment and measuring success. There are a variety of tools, such as websites, mobile applications and downloadable charts and worksheets, available to assist with tracking goals.

Instructions

    • 1

      Look at different goal-tracking tools on websites, such as Webappstorms Goal-tracker and Smartsheet and decide upon a tool that is right for you. The best goal-tracking tool is one that you will use.

    • 2

      Break the SMART goal down into small, doable steps. For example, if the goal is to get a new job, steps may include creating or re-writing a resume, identifying references, contacting potential references and registering on job-seeker websites.

    • 3

      Create a timeline of events and log them on the chosen tool. The timeline should also be specific, measurable, attainable and realistic. For example, re-writing an existing resume may be doable in one day, while creating a new one may take longer.

    • 4

      Put the goal-tracking tool somewhere visual. For example, put a mobile application on the start page of your hand-held device, a computer worksheet on the desktop or a print calendar on the wall of your office.

    • 5

      Check in on yourself every day by looking at the tracking tool. Put stars by accomplishments, check off to-do lists and write down what went well and what did not.

    • 6

      Announce your goals to friends and family members. Saying them aloud to others increases accountability because they will ask you about them in the future.

    • 7

      Stay the course. Just as the saying goes, if at first you don't succeed try and try again. Timelines change, tasks do not always get finished by the due date and life events happen. Remain positive and adjust the tracking schedule as needed.

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