Try to imagine a ship on the high seas. The vessel is equipped with the most recent instruments as well as devices. All the sailors, as well as officials, are appropriately trained. The fuel tanks are also full. The machinery is in perfect order. Everything is fit and fine. However, even though the ship has started sailing, the commander is not sure about the desired destination. These days, many individuals live just like this vessel. They are healthy as well as properly educated but they have no set goals in their life. They continue to alter the direction at every single opportunity. Now the question arises regarding what exactly are goals and how can they help us in life.

The procedure of SMART goals (an acronym for the five steps of specific, measurable, attainable, relevant as well as time-based goals) is amongst the most efficient tools utilized by the successful individuals to reach their objectives both realistically as well as consistently. Irrespective of whether you are a small business owner or someone who just wants to slim down, comprehending how to set these SMART goals will make the difference between achievement and failure.

A. Be Specific

1. Make your objective well-defined as well as focused. There is a greater possibility for a specific goal to be accomplished as compared to a general one.
2. While setting your goals, ensure that you answer the six "W" questions: what, who, when, where, which, and why. Try to ask queries such as:
   i. Who is exactly involved?
   ii. What I actually desire to accomplish?
   iii. Where is this going to happen? Identify a location.
   iv. When is this going happen? Set up a time frame.
   v. Which restraints and requirements are going to be a part of the procedure? Identify them.
   vi. Why am I establishing this goal? Note down the particular reasons as well as advantages of attaining this goal.
3. Comprehend the distinction between a vague goal and a specific goal. For instance, there is a major difference between stating, "I want to lose 20 pounds" and "I want to slim down". While you establish a particular goal to lose 20 pounds, you're able to measure your progress from the very beginning. This will inspire you to continue pushing forward.

B. Possess a concrete set of requirements for measuring improvement

1. Have a yardstick for calculating the results. Comprehend that a particular goal without a measurable result is just like a competition sans a scoreboard. It is prudent to put definite numbers in your goal to understand whether you are on track or are falling behind.
2. Ask queries such as:
   i. How many?
   ii. How much?
   iii. How shall I understand when it's accomplished?
   iv. What exactly is on the finish line?
3. Set a reminder in order to measure and track your improvement:
   i. Maintain a journal or make use of your smartphone for downloading a tracking application - these are all concrete ways to enable you to track your improvement.

C. Make the Goal Attainable

1. Set up some realistic goals. Depending on the existing restrictions like your workload, routine as well as knowledge, do you think that you'll be able to accomplish the objective set by you? In case you cannot, then set another goal which will be attainable for you at present.
2. Ask yourself these questions mentioned below:
   i. Are you ready to make the commitment reach your objective?
   ii. Do you want to alter or tweak the aspects in your life?
   iii. Do you have a more attainable target in front of you?

D. Make the Goal Relevant

1. Try to make the objective relevant to the reality of your life. For example, in case a weight-loss friend believes that your objective ought to be to compete in a dancing competition, however, you suffer from stage fright, select another goal.
2. Set goals which are practical. In case you are 50 pounds overweight and have not exercised for a decade, it will be an unrealistic objective to run in a competition with just a couple of months of training. Therefore, it is important to set a goal that has a realistic possibility of achieving.

E. Ground the goal inside a particular Timeframe

1. SMART goals ought to be time-bound, which means that they must have a deadline. As a matter of fact, establishing a deadline will reinforce in your mind the seriousness of the goal. It will encourage you to take the required action.
2. Have a sense of impulsiveness. In case you'd like to raise the credit score to something like 720, by when would you want to raise it? "Someday" will not simply work. However, in case it is anchored within a specific timeframe, then it is much more feasible to attend the goal in time.
3. Ask yourself the following questions:
   i. What should I perform today to attain my goal?
   ii. What should I do 2 weeks from now to reach the goal?

iii. What should I do 2 months from now to accomplish the goal?