When it comes to setting goals, many people are familiar with the acronym SMART. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Setting a SMART goal is a great way to ensure that you are reaching your target. The thing is nothing sabotages the pursuit of your goal like setting the wrong type of goal.

What a lot of people may not realize is that there are specific things you should avoid when setting a SMART goal.

In order to make sure you set the right type of goal, it is important to truly understand the various aspects of setting a SMART goal and what to avoid.

Setting a SMART Goal

Setting a SMART goal is an effective way to achieve success. A SMART goal is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

When setting a SMART goal, it is important to make sure that it is specific enough so that you can measure it. The goal should be achievable, relevant to what you are trying to achieve, and have a timeline attached to it.

Setting a SMART goal will help you stay focused and motivated while working towards your goal.

Avoid Setting a SMART Goal That’s Too Specific

Setting a SMART goal is a great way to ensure that you are held accountable and can track your progress, but it’s important to make sure that your goal is not too specific.

This can happen when you focus too much on the details of your goal and lose sight of the big picture.

During the initial stage of setting a smart goal, the objective is to clearly define your goal. In this stage, you’re not trying to lay everything out step by step.

That comes in the planning stage.

The idea for setting a SMART goal is to give yourself direction and a clear target. Something that leaves no room for ambiguity. 

Avoid Goals That Are Too Easy or Extremely Tough

It’s crucial to set a SMART goal that’s achievable and challenging in equal measure.

Goals that are too attainable can be uninspiring and lead to complacency. If you set a goal that is too easy, you can trick yourself into thinking that you’re actually making progress. The reality could be you’re just doing busy work that brings little value.

Goals that are extremely tough can be discouraging and lead to frustration. This could lead you to quit and completely abandon your goal.

When you set goals that are completely out of reach, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. 

Whether too easy or extremely tough, such goals can actually lead to decreased productivity and motivation.

Your goal should be challenging enough to motivate you but not so difficult that you become overwhelmed.

This is where a retrospective, or an assessment, of previous goals or previous periods in your goal pursuit journey will help you adjust. You’ll understand what you’re capable of and whether you need to challenge yourself more or scale back your goal. 

It’s important to find the right balance where you’re setting a SMART goal that is challenging enough yet attainable. This will help keep you motivated and productive as you work towards reaching your goals.