SMART goals explained
"Get fit" is a wish. "Run 5 km in under 30 minutes by 1 March" is a SMART goal. The extra detail makes it possible to plan, track progress and know when you are done.
The letters have changed over time. The original version used "assignable" and "realistic" where most people now say "achievable" and "relevant".
Try it today
- Write your goal in one sentence.
- Add a number you can measure and a deadline.
- Check that it is realistic with your current time and matters to a bigger aim.
Where it comes from
George T. Doran introduced the acronym in "There's a S.M.A.R.T. way to write management's goals and objectives", Management Review, November 1981.
Frequently asked questions
- What is SMART goals?
- SMART goals are goals written to be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound, so you know exactly what success looks like and when it is due.
- Where does SMART goals come from?
- George T. Doran introduced the acronym in "There's a S.M.A.R.T. way to write management's goals and objectives", Management Review, November 1981.
- How do I start with SMART goals?
- Write your goal in one sentence. Add a number you can measure and a deadline. Check that it is realistic with your current time and matters to a bigger aim.
- Which tools help with SMART goals?
- Tools in our directory that help include Notion, TickTick, Habitica, Loop Habit Tracker. Each has its own page with pricing, pros and cons.
