I have written about SMART goal setting in the past, but after much reading and thinking, I now realize that goals need to be SMARTER to be most successful.

SMARTER goals, broken down:

S – The objectives must be Specific and the more specific the better. State your goal in as exact terms as possible.

M – The objectives must be measurable. What you measure will be treasured, so think about what the measure of your goal achievement will be.

A – The objectives must have responsibility. To whom or what are you accountable for the goal?

A – Goals must be realistic. Unrealistic goals will lead to discouragement.

T: Goals should be time based. Decide on your schedule for completion and stick to it.

E – The objectives must be exciting. Exciting goals will be accomplished long before boring, bland goals.

A – Goals must be recorded, in a place where you can see it every day.

Well, let’s take a look at one of my goals for 2006 and see how it works in action.

I will earn the Competent Toast Master (CTM) designation by December 1, 2006.

Specific – Yes, this is very specific. It says exactly what I’m going to do.

Measurable – Yes, this is measurable. The CTM designation is something that takes 10 speeches to do in Toastmasters, so if I do these 10 speeches, this goal will be accomplished.

Responsibility – I am sharing it with you, so I am responsible to all of you. I also include this in my goals at work as public speaking is part of what I do and letting my Toastmasters Mentor know my goal (I am sending this post to him) so I am accountable to many others.

Realistic – This is an absolutely realistic goal for me. I have given 2 speeches in 2005, so I have to increase my production 4 times. I can do this, but it will require effort.

Exciting – Definitely an exciting goal for me. As a new Toastmaster, I will be able to improve my speaking skills by doing this, and it will also help our club achieve a more distinguished status.

Recorded: I wrote it down here, I’ll put it on a note card with my other goals, it’ll be in my HR system at work, and I’ll review it every day to remind myself of its importance.

So what goals are you setting for 2006? How can I help you set SMARTER goals? Let me know because I’d love to help you make it great!