As fall fades into winter and the holiday season approaches, the nature of your work may start to change the deeper we get into Q4. Projects may begin to wrap up, or you may already be planning ahead for next year by preparing a budget and setting new goals for the next 12 months.
But what about the goals you set for this year? Have you accomplished what you intended back in January, or are there still items on your list? Did you have to pivot your priorities due to unforeseen changes in the business? With deadlines looming and what feels like a never-ending to-do list through the holidays, it can be easy to feel discouraged and let your goals slide until the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s.
However, the end of the year doesn’t have to feel chaotic. Taking time to evaluate your goals—and turning them into SMART goals—can help you cross the finish line and give you a fresh start for the new year. Here’s how you can use SMART goals framework to finish the year strong.
What Are SMART Goals?
SMART is an acronym that provides a structured approach to make goals easier to achieve. Standing for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound, the SMART method follows a set format to guide you on your next steps in pursuit of the goal. Originally conceived as a guide for managers in 1981 by George T. Doran in an article published in Management Review, it has since evolved to be applicable for personal and professional development.
To write a SMART goal, start by identifying your objective, then apply each component of the SMART framework. Here’s what that can look like in practice, with some examples:
Specific
If your goal is too vague, you may never be able to achieve it. To craft a SMART goal, define what you want to do with specific actions or methods by which you will achieve your goal.
Examples:
“Increase software sales by doing more feature demonstrations to existing customers” instead of “increase sales.”
“Improve first-call resolution rate” instead of “improve customer service.”
“Improve my leadership skills” instead of “grow in my career.”
Measurable
How do you know you’ve achieved your goal? In addition to specific actions, a SMART goal must have measurable outcomes or a clear indicator of success.
Examples:
“Increase software sales by 10% by doing 10 or more feature demonstrations to existing customers each month.”
“Increase first-call resolution rate to 80%.”
“Improve my leadership skills by completing a LinkedIn Learning leadership course and taking ownership of two team projects.”
Attainable
Your goal shouldn’t be so lofty that it’s unrealistic or unachievable within your time frame. Evaluate what you can accomplish within your timeframe, especially as the year ends—and adjust your goal so it stays within reach.
Examples:
“Increase software sales by 10% by doing 15 or more feature demonstrations to existing customers within the next quarter.”
“Increase first-call resolution rate to 75% or more within two months.”
“Improve my leadership skills by completing a LinkedIn Learning leadership course and leading two team projects in the next six months.”
Relevant
Why do you have this goal in the first place? Your goals should align with your role, company objectives, or personal career development.
Examples:
“Increase software sales by 10% by doing 15 or more feature demonstrations to existing customers within the next quarter to increase revenue and strengthen customer relationships.”
“Increase first-call resolution rate to 75% or more within two months to improve customer satisfaction and retention.”
“Improve my leadership skills by completing a LinkedIn Learning leadership course and leading two team projects in the next six months to prepare for a promotion to manager.”
Time-Bound
The final part of a SMART goal is the timeframe. Giving yourself a deadline for achieving your goal provides you with built-in accountability and a “finish line” to cross.
Examples:
“Increase software sales by 10% by doing 15 or more feature demonstrations by the end of Q4 to increase revenue and build customer relationships.”
“Increase first-call resolution rate to 75% or more by January 1 to improve customer satisfaction and retention.”
“By the end of January, I will improve my leadership skills by completing a LinkedIn Learning leadership course and leading two team projects in preparation for a promotion to manager.”
Tips for Achieving Your SMART Goals
With your SMART goals clearly defined in time for the end of the year, it’s time to focus and execute your plans. To keep you on track, here are a few ways to keep your momentum through year-end:
Review Your Progress
You’ve likely been working toward some of your goals since Q1. Take a moment to reflect on all your projects and progress from the beginning of the year. You may find that checking off some items you’ve already done will give you the motivation to keep going and finish strong.
Set Boundaries
You may be tempted to take on more projects before the holidays or help plan the office holiday party, but spreading yourself too thin can impede your progress on your goals. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries with your team or supervisor or ask for help in completing urgent, last-minute tasks. Ensuring you have the bandwidth to achieve your goals on time is key to preventing burnout and ending the year on a high note.
When deadlines approach, you need to lock in and utilize your time effectively. Use time management strategies, such as task chunking or the Pomodoro method, to stay focused and maintain steady progress that will take your goal from a “to-do” to “done.”
Go for Your Goals
The pursuit of your professional goals is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay focused, evaluate your progress often, and use the SMART framework break your objectives into actionable steps. With a clear plan and a strong finish to the year, you’ll set yourself up for even greater success in the year ahead.
