How to Set SMART Goals for the Coming Year
As you reflect on possible goals for the new year use the SMART Goals acrostic to insure your goals are Specific, Measureable, Realistic and measure accomplishment of an objective over a defined period of Time. Here is a quick review of this sure fire way to set better goals:
The SMART Goal Formula
Specific: Use the five W’s…….Who, What, When, Where and Why to think through what specifics to address in a goal. Use action verbs……..create, design, establish, develop, increase, implement, research, produce, etc.
Example: By December 31, 2016 increase by 10% the number of Prayer Groups and Prayer Intercessors praying weekly.
Measurable: Goals should include numeric or descriptive measures that define quality, quantity, cost, time, etc.
Question to ask:
- How will I know when the goal has been successfully met?
- How can I focus on elements such as observable actions, quality, quantity, time required, and efficiency as outcomes to be measured, not activities?
Example: Launch three new small groups each quarter of 2016.
Achievable: Goals should be within one’s control and influence; a goal may be a “stretch” but still be feasible.
Questions to ask:
- Is the goal achievable with the available resources?
- Is the goal achievable within the timeframe outlined?
- Do I have the authority, control and support to achieve this goal?
Example: Complete my seminary degree within two years.
Relevant: Goals should be integral to the mission of the ministry, department and ultimately the church.
Questions to ask:
- Why is this goal important?
- How will this goal help the ministry, department, church reach its objectives?
- How does this goal relate directly to my key accountabilities and responsibilities and/or church goals?
Example: Identify, enlist, equip and deploy 5 new full time preschool teachers by August 1, 2016.
Time-bound: Goals should identify a definite target date for completion and/or frequencies for specific action steps that are important to achieving the goal.
Questions to ask:
- How often should I work on this assignment?
- By when should this goal be accomplished?
- How can I incorporate specific calendar dates, milestones, or timeframes that are relative to the achievement of a result?
Example: Design and present to the Elders at their September 2016 meeting a strategic plan, including funding and staffing for a special needs children’s ministry for implementation by 1Q 2017.
Posted on December 22, 2015
