No doubt about it, 2020 has been a challenging year. The COVID-19 crisis has presented you with countless obstacles, but you adapted and found ways to overcome them. You learned a lot this year, but many of the goals you set before the pandemic ultimately went by the wayside.
You’re ready to get back on track in 2021, but you realize you need to go about the goal-setting process a bit differently. Setting SMART goals is the best way to hold yourself accountable and make meaningful strides.
Here’s a look at what this means and why it works.
Specific
Vague goals are meant to be reinterpreted — and that won’t help you get ahead. Making your objectives as specific as possible allows you to really focus on one key area. Think about exactly what you want to achieve, why you need to take this step and what you’ll need to do it.
Measurable
Tracking the progress you’ve made toward achieving your goals is important because it allows you to make sure you’re meeting deadlines. Plus, seeing how far you’ve come helps you stay motivated to keep up the great work. Therefore, it’s important to quantify your objectives when possible so you can follow along as you create your path to success.
Achievable
It’s important to dream big, but there’s such a thing as setting a goal so big, it’s unrealistic. Therefore, you need to make sure all objectives you set are attainable so you don’t set yourself up for failure. Map your path to success before getting started, so you can make sure you have the resources in place to complete it.
Relevant
There’s a time and place for everything, including the goals you set. Each of your objectives for 2021 should work together to help you move onto the next step in your career. Take a careful look at each goal to make sure they’re applicable, worthwhile, and the timing is right. This will help ensure you’re doing all the right things to support your career advancement.
Time-Bound
You’re a busy person with a lot on your plate. This makes it easy to procrastinate goals not attached to a specific deadline because they don’t seem urgent. Simply placing a target completion date on each goal will help you focus, because you won’t want to disappoint yourself by failing to meet your own expectations.
Ready to take the next step your career? Management Registry, Inc. wants to help you find a rewarding new job that truly fulfills you. Contact us today to get started!