S. M. A. R. T. (from English smart - smart) is an abbreviation that includes 5 words denoting the necessary signs of goal setting. For the first time, J. Doran described the methodology and explained each concept included in it in the article “There’s a S. M. A. R. T. way to write management's goals and objectives.
; the goal should be clear, specific. When setting goals, the result to be achieved must be clearly defined. Some authors decipher S as simple - "simple". This means that the goal should be clearly and simply formulated. Moreover, each goal is set separately, each result is worked out in the methodology by itself. If, disassembling a goal according to the SMART method, you notice that it includes several goals, they need to be divided and worked out separately from each other.
; every goal should have a quantitative indicator. Increase sales by 15%, run 3 km a day, write a certain number of articles by next year. It is necessary to determine the exact meaning of the desired result.
; the goal should be real, achievable. Some sources say it is attainable. You must work out all the options, evaluate your resources, determine the time it will take to solve the problem.
; it is necessary to determine whether the methods of achieving the goal are relevant, whether this goal is worthwhile and necessary. Determine if the created plan can solve the intended problem.
; the path to the goal must have its own framework. You must take a certain amount of time to solve the problem, taking into account all the nuances and possession of the necessary resources. If there is no exact deadline for achieving the goal, then the result will be very difficult to achieve.
The abbreviation S. M. A. R. T. E. R. is sometimes used, where E stands for continually adjusting the plan to reflect changing circumstances.
