How to Set Goals That Lead to Success

Dustin M. Wax’s article in second issue of Productive Magazine describes an effective and achievable process when creating goals that lead to success. In his article, he states that SMART goals are achievable while other goal strategies might be dumb. What does he mean by dumb goals? He identifies dumb goals as vague, unspecified, open-ended, and without a completion date. His process of goal achievement on the other hand is SMART as opposed to dumb. What does his acronym stand for?

• Specific (S)
• Measurable (M)
• Achievable (A)
• Relevant (R)
• Time-bound (T)

Defining the SMART phrase in detail, he states the following:

• S - Set specific goals (e.g., Lose five pounds in 30 days).
• M - Create goals that are measurable, so that you can keep track of them.
• A - Make sure to create goals that are achievable (e.g., Save $5,000.00 this year as oppose to saving $50,000.00 this year.).
• R – Set goals that are relevant to you.
• T – Attach a deadline to your goal (e.g., Be able to do 100 sit-ups by February 1st.)

In closing, he mentions the most import aspect of goal setting, which is tracking your goals. When you track your goals, you place accountability on yourself. When you don’t track your goals, you’re not accountable; as a result, your goals become just another wish instead of an achievement.