Setting and achieving goals can be challenging, with many obstacles standing in the way of success. However, starting with a clear strategy significantly increases the chances of reaching your goals.
Since 1981, the S.M.A.R.T. goal-setting method, first introduced by George T. Doran, has proven to be one of the most influential frameworks for individuals and businesses alike. Whether you’re looking to improve yourself or your business, this approach remains a powerful tool to help turn your ambitions into reality.
Specific
Being general and ambiguous about your goals will not work. Be highly specific and pinpoint precisely what you’re trying to accomplish. For example, if you want to increase your production per day, be specific: Do you need to increase the number of days worked? Are you running multiple schedules? Always write down the goal, so you have documentation to refer to.
Measurable
Finding a way to measure your goal is essential for tracking your progress toward completion. When setting goals, ask yourself how you will know when you’ve accomplished the goal and how many things you’ll need to do between the starting and finish points. This includes regularly evaluating your progress and reviewing your schedule at the end of the day to determine if there were changes from how the day was scheduled.
Attainable
Your goals should have clear, practical steps. Break them into manageable actions that align with your capabilities and constraints, such as time, resources, and skill levels. Discussing these goals with your team or support group is essential for holding yourself accountable. Some goals may not be attainable alone and require a solid team to become achievable. For example, discussing the goal with the front office team to ensure the schedule is maximized and holes filled when needed.
Relevant
Align your goal(s) with your long-term objectives. Ask yourself if it provides a sense of purpose. Ultimately, consider whether achieving this goal will be rewarding and worth your time and effort. For example, are you improving your daily production to increase income, grow the practice, or bring on an associate down the line?
Time-Specific
Establish a clear timeline with deadlines for each stage of your plan. A defined timeline keeps you accountable and focused, guiding your progress toward the goal within a set period. For example, you could set a time in the day for you and the staff to review or try new schedules for a certain amount of time and evaluate this change after a few weeks.
Finally, celebrate your wins; you don’t have to wait until the main goals are reached. The little steps taken towards the goal are just as necessary. Following the above steps when starting a new goal will help set you up for success. Fluence has always strived to be a resource for our clients and help them grow and succeed. We are here to help and be a resource for growing your practice.