“The trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend your life running up and down the field and never score.”
— Bill Copeland
If you’ve ever felt busy but stuck, productive but not progressing, or hardworking without clear results, the issue often isn’t effort — it’s lack of a clear, structured goal. SMART-ER goals give you a proven framework to turn vague intentions into achievable outcomes.
This guide walks you step by step through setting goals that are clear, realistic, actionable, and continuously improved.
Without goals:
You react instead of direct
You stay busy but unfocused
Progress feels accidental instead of intentional
With SMART-ER goals:
Your efforts are aligned
Your time and resources are used productively
You can measure progress and adjust as needed
SMART goals help you clarify what you want and how to get there, instead of drifting year after year.
Choose one meaningful goal to work on first.
Ask yourself:
What do I actually want to improve or achieve?
If I could only make progress in one area this year, what would it be?
Write the goal in plain language first. Don’t worry about SMART yet.
Example (rough goal):
“I want to advance in my career.”
A goal must be clear and focused to create motivation and direction.
Ask the 5 “W” questions:
What do I want to accomplish?
Why is this goal important?
Who is involved?
Where will this happen?
Which resources or limits are involved?
Refine your goal so it leaves no room for confusion.
Example (Specific):
“I want to gain the skills and experience needed to become Head of Marketing in my organization so I can grow my career and lead a successful team.”
If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.
Ask:
How much?
How many?
How will I know when this goal is accomplished?
Measurement keeps you motivated and allows you to track real progress.
Example (Measurable):
“I will complete required training courses and gain leadership experience necessary for the role within five years.”
Your goal should stretch you — but still be realistic.
Ask:
How can I accomplish this?
Is this realistic given my current resources?
What constraints (time, money, energy) exist?
An achievable goal helps you identify opportunities instead of creating frustration.
Example (Achievable):
“I have access to training programs, mentorship opportunities, and the time to develop these skills over the next five years.”
Tip:
Avoid goals dependent on others’ decisions.
❌ “Get promoted”
✅ “Gain the skills and experience required to be considered for promotion”
Your goal should matter to you and align with your life and priorities.
Ask:
Does this goal feel worthwhile?
Is now the right time?
Does it align with my other responsibilities and values?
Am I the right person to pursue this right now?
A relevant goal fits your current season of life — not just an ideal version of it.
Example (Relevant):
“This goal aligns with my long-term career plans and is realistic given my personal and professional commitments.”
Every goal needs a deadline — otherwise, it becomes a wish.
Ask:
When will this be completed?
What can I do in:
6 months?
6 weeks?
Today?
Breaking time into milestones prevents procrastination and overwhelm.
Example (Time-Bound):
“I will complete initial leadership training within 12 months, take on new responsibilities within 3 years, and be fully qualified within 5 years.”
SMART-ER goals go beyond setting and forgetting.
Are your actions producing results?
What’s working well?
What needs adjustment?
Review progress weekly or monthly
Update timelines or methods if needed
Adjust goals as circumstances change
Goals should evolve as you evolve.
Combine everything into one clear statement.
SMART-ER Goal Example:
“I will gain the skills, experience, and qualifications needed to become Head of Marketing in my organization within five years by completing leadership training, gaining hands-on experience, and reviewing my progress quarterly.”
Finish by answering:
What is one action I can take today?
What is my next small milestone?
When will I review my progress?
Progress happens through action — not intention.
SMART-ER goals don’t guarantee success — but not having a goal almost guarantees stagnation.
Clarity creates momentum. Momentum creates results.