Setting goals is an important part of both our personal and professional lives. We all want to achieve something, right? But how do we ensure we’re on the right track?
That’s where SMART goals come into play. It’s a handy framework that helps us set clear, achievable targets.
In this article, we’re going to focus on the “M” in SMART – Measurable.
Table of Contents
So, What Is “Measurable” in SMART Goals
In the context of SMART goals, “Measurable” is all about tracking progress.
You see, a goal without a way to measure success is like driving without a map. You might eventually get where you want to go, but it’s going to be a lot harder than it needs to be.
A measurable goal is one that has specific criteria that can be used to track progress. It’s about having concrete evidence that you’re moving toward your goal.
For example, let’s say you have a goal to get in shape. That’s a great goal, but it’s not measurable. How will you know when you’re in shape? Instead, a measurable goal might be to lose 5 pounds in 2 months. This gives you a clear target to aim for and a way to measure your progress.
How To Set Measurable Goals
Now that we’ve established what “Measurable” means in the context of SMART goals, let’s dive into how you can set such goals for yourself.
Remember, the key to a measurable goal is the ability to track progress, which not only helps you stay on course but also keeps you motivated as you inch closer to your target.
When crafting your goal, consider the following questions to ensure it’s measurable:
- How much? This question helps you quantify your goal. For instance, if your goal is to save money, specify how much you want to save. Instead of saying, “I want to save more money this year,” say, “I want to save $5000 this year.”
- How many? Similarly, if your goal involves doing something a certain number of times, be clear about it. Instead of saying, “I want to read more books,” say, “I want to read 12 books this year.”
- What are the indicators of progress? Indicators of progress are the milestones that show you’re on the right track. For example, if your goal is to lose weight, your indicators of progress might be losing a certain number of pounds each month. If your goal is to write a book, your indicator of progress could be the number of new characters developed or chapters written in a month.
- How will I know when it is accomplished? This question helps you identify when you’ve reached your goal. If your goal is to get a promotion, you’ll know you’ve achieved it when you have that new job title. If your goal is to lose 5 pounds, well, that’s when your goal is complete.
Setting measurable goals is not just about stating what you want to achieve. It’s about defining the specifics, the quantity, the timeline, and the milestones. It’s about setting up a roadmap that will guide you to your destination.
Examples of Measurable Goals
So, now that we’ve got a clear understanding of what “Measurable” means in SMART goals, let’s look at some examples across different categories. These examples will help you understand how to set measurable goals in various aspects of your life.
- Fitness: “I want to be able to run 5k in under 30 minutes within the next 3 months.”
- Weight Loss: “I want to lose 10 pounds in the next 2 months.”
- Finance: “I want to save $5000 for a vacation by the end of the year.”
- Career: “I want to acquire three new skills related to my job within the next 6 months to increase my chances of promotion.”
- Education: “I want to improve my Math grade from a B to an A by the end of the semester.”
- Personal Development: “I want to read one book per month for the next year.”
- Business: “I want to increase sales by 20% in the next quarter.”
- Health: “I want to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables every day for the next month.”
- Relationships: “I want to dedicate two evenings per week to family activities.”
- Hobbies: “I want to learn to play three songs on the guitar within the next 6 months.”
As you can see, these goals are not only specific but also measurable. They provide a clear way to track progress and know when the goal has been achieved.
Conclusion
The “Measurable” in SMART goals is all about ensuring you have a clear way to track your progress toward your goal. It’s about setting specific criteria that give you concrete evidence you’re moving towards what you want to achieve.
Remember, a goal without a measure is just a wish, so make your goals measurable and take a step closer to turning your dreams into reality.
