How many times have you set a goal but failed to actually achieve it? I’m willing to bet that one step you missed was converting it from a simple goal to a SMART goal.

This process takes a goal that can be rather open-ended and ambiguous and convert it into a statement that has a beginning, middle, and end — providing you with a roadmap to achieve it. I like to think of it like this: Rather than just goal setting, you need to be goal planning.

To speed up the process, you can grab my SMART Goal Worksheet (featured above) which will walk you through the process of converting a simple goal to a SMART goal.

We often think of goals as simple statements that declare something we want to achieve. But a better definition would be to think of goals as tiny roadmaps that help you progress toward a desired outcome.

Instead of those simple, one-sentence statements that lack direction, a SMART goal will help you transform your goal into a roadmap that is easier to follow, measure, and achieve.

Specific – Include details! Identify exactly what you want to achieve and be as specific as possible.
Measurable – Quantify your goal! Include numbers or specific markers for how you will measure progress and how you’ll know when you’ve reached your goal.
Achievable – Rein it in! Be realistic about your time, skills, and effort, and adjust your goal so that it is achievable for you in this moment.
Relevant – The why! Ensure your goals are aligned with your values and aren’t influenced by external pressure (society, spouses, friends, etc.).
Time-bound – Include a deadline! Identify a timeframe or a completion date for each goal.

Here’s an example of turning big goals into SMART goals:

Simple goal: “I want to improve my health.”

SMART goal: “To feel my healthiest before next year’s conference and travel, I will reach my water goal 5 out of 7 days a week, run twice a week, and eat at least two meals per day that nourish and energize me. I’ll track progress with my Habit Spreadsheet and aim to feel notable differences before December 31, 2023.”

Simple goal: “I want to increase sales in my online shop.”

SMART goal: “To continue growing my business, I will increase sales in my shop by at least 30% by the end of Q1 by establishing an official affiliate program, expanding our wholesale program, and launching two new products.”

Need a little hand-holding still? No worries. I created this free SMART Goal Worksheet to help you thoughtfully convert simple goals into SMART goals. If you want a little extra credit work, check out Episode 033 of The Plan Podcast, where I discuss how to set goals and actually achieve them (I go over the SMART method along with additional tips).

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