SMART Goals: Stop Wishing and Start Achieving
- Kerry Wood
- Oct 1
- 2 min read
We all have dreams, but without clear goals, often those dreams remain just that: dreams. How many times have you had a business goal at the beginning of the year - and three months down the track, it’s still just an idea scribbled in a notebook? The difference between wishing for success and actually achieving it comes down to how you set your goals. That’s where SMART goals come in.
What Makes a Goal SMART?
SMART is an acronym you have probably heard before - but let’s break it down in a way that helps you get results:
Specific: A goal needs to be crystal clear. Instead of “I want more sales,” say, “I want to increase sales of our premium package by 15% in the next 3 months.” The more specific you are with your goal, the clearer the target.
Measurable: How will you know you are on track? Numbers, percentages, and milestones turn abstract ideas into tangible results. Without a way to measure progress, you will never know if your efforts are working.
Achievable: Be ambitious, but realistic. Setting impossible goals only leads to frustration and fatigue. Ask yourself: Do I have the resources, time, and team to get this done? Goals should challenge you, but they definitely still need to be within reach.
Relevant: Your goal should align with your business priorities. Don’t chase trends that won’t move your business forward. Focus on what truly impacts growth, profit, and sustainability.
Time-bound: Every goal needs a deadline. Without one, it will drift into happening “someday.” Set clear timelines for action and review to create urgency and accountability.
Why SMART Goals Work
The power of SMART goals is not just in the acronym - it’s in the mindset they create. When you define exactly what you want, measure it, and set deadlines, you stop wandering. You start making conscious decisions that drive your business forward. Goals become actionable, not aspirational.
SMART goals also create clarity for your team. Everyone knows what success looks like, what their role is, and how progress is measured. This alignment is essential for effectively scaling your business.
A Practical Example
Imagine your goal is to improve your online presence. A SMART version could be:“Increase website traffic by 25% over the next three months by publishing two blog posts weekly, posting daily on LinkedIn, and running one targeted ad campaign each month.”
Notice how it’s specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. You can track progress weekly, adjust strategies, and celebrate small wins along the way.
Bottom line: SMART goals are not just another box-ticking exercise. They are a practical framework that transforms ideas into results, motivation into action, and ambition into achievement.
Ready to turn your business goals into reality?
Book a free 20-minute strategy session with Kerry and get personalised guidance on creating SMART goals that actually drive results.
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