Unlocking Success: How SMART Goals can help you achieve more and find meaningful work

In 95% of organizations, according to a recent survey, employees set goals for themselves or their teams (Sull & Sull, 2018). Think about all the times you’ve set goals in the past and how it has worked out for you. I’d like you to approach this topic with a healthy dose of scepticism. Challenge everything that’s laid out about SMART goal and jot down reasons why it won’t work. To be fair, I’d also like you to challenge your own biases regarding goal setting but keep an open mind. Either way, don’t beat yourself up.

Lets start with some evidence that SMART goals do work.

A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology examined the impact of setting SMART goals in the workplace. The researchers found that individuals who set specific, challenging goals performed better than those with no specific goals or easy goals. The study concluded that the use of SMART goals led to higher levels of task performance.

Another study published in the Academy of Management Journal focused on the effectiveness of goal setting in a sales context. The researchers compared the performance of salespeople who used SMART goals versus those who did not use any goal-setting framework. The study found that individuals who set specific, challenging goals using the SMART framework outperformed those without goals and those with non-specific goals.

A meta-analysis conducted by Locke and Latham (2002) reviewed numerous studies on goal setting and found that setting specific and challenging goals improved performance across a wide range of tasks, including work-related tasks. The study also highlighted the importance of setting goals that are measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

Finally, in the educational context, a study published in the Review of Educational Research examined the impact of using SMART goals on student performance. The researchers found that students who set specific, challenging goals using the SMART framework demonstrated higher academic achievement compared to those who did not set goals or set non-specific goals.

Now, instead of telling you what the acronym stands for and define each elements of the SMART goal framework, I’d rather tell you how SMART goals contribute to your personal growth and fulfilment. After all, you can search up each elements and their definition easily enough.

Clarity and Focus

SMART goals provide clarity and focus by defining specific objectives. When you have a clear direction and know what you want to achieve, you can channel your efforts and energy more effectively. This clarity will help you prioritise tasks, make informed decisions, and avoid distractions, resulting in increased productivity and progress.

Motivation and Engagement

SMART goals are designed to be challenging yet achievable. This balance fuels motivation by providing you with a sense of purpose and a target to strive for. When you have meaningful goals that align with your aspirations and values, you become more engaged in your work. You’ll feel a sense of ownership and are more likely to invest your time and effort to excel. If the goals are either too challenging or not challenging enough, you’ll just simply give up out of frustration or lack of interest.

Continuous Improvement

The measurable aspect of SMART goals enables you to track your progress and measure your performance. By regularly reviewing your achievements, you can identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments. This process of continuous improvement fosters a growth mindset and a commitment to personal development. It allows you to refine your skills, acquire new knowledge, and strive for excellence.

Sense of Achievement

SMART goals provide a framework for setting specific targets and deadlines. As you meet these milestones and accomplish your goals, you will experience a sense of achievement. This sense of accomplishment contributes to increased self-confidence, satisfaction, and fulfilment – improving your self-efficacy. Celebrating successes along the way will reinforce a positive mindset and encourage you to aim higher and set even more ambitious goals.

Alignment with Personal Values

When you set goals that are relevant and aligned with your personal values, you will find deeper meaning in your work. SMART goals that reflect your passions, strengths, and long-term aspirations makes it easier to connect your daily efforts to a larger purpose. This alignment cultivates a sense of meaning and fulfilment because you’ll see your work as a meaningful contribution to your own growth and the broader goals you value.

HOWEVER,

In organisations, SMART goals undervalue ambition, focus narrowly on individual performance, and ignore the importance of discussing goals throughout the year. According to Sull and Sull (2018), to drive strategy execution, leaders should instead set goals that are FAST — frequently discussed, ambitious, specific, and transparent.

Final Thoughts…

By incorporating the SMART goal framework, you can excel in your work and discover a sense of meaning and fulfilment. The structured approach enables you to set meaningful objectives, stay focused, and experience a sense of accomplishment, ultimately leading to personal growth and satisfaction in your professional journey.

I hope this article has given you a different perspective on SMART goals to at least think about its valid applications for individuals. However, if you’re more interested in a goal setting framework for an organisation, perhaps have a look into FAST Goal in the reference list below.

References:

Bell, J. (2023, March). Do FAST Goals Trump SMART Goals? https://elmosoftware.com.au/resources/blog/do-fast-goals-trump-smart-goals/

Locke, E.A., & Latham, G.P. (2002). Building a Practically Useful Theory of Goal Setting and Task Motivation: A 35-Year Odyssey. American Psychologist.  

Sull, D., & Sull, C., (2018). With Goals, FAST beats SMART. MIT Sloan management review.