{"id":65609,"date":"2024-11-12T16:52:13","date_gmt":"2024-11-12T05:52:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/?p=65609"},"modified":"2025-12-18T19:05:37","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T08:05:37","slug":"smart-goals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/au\/blog\/smart-goals\/","title":{"rendered":"What are SMART goals, and how to create them"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We all set ambitious goals, which help us visualise where we\u2019d like to be and motivate us to get there. However, the objectives we\u2019re working so hard to achieve can quickly grow into a source of frustration if they\u2019re vague or difficult to transform into a reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To turn ambition into action (and results), you need a blueprint that makes it easy to follow through. That\u2019s where the SMART framework comes in. It\u2019s a way of creating goals that are realistic and actionable so you can work towards them with clarity and focus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this guide, we\u2019ll explain how the SMART framework works, share real examples, and show you how to write SMART goals that help your business grow with focus and confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Turn SMART goals into sales success.<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Discover how Sales Cloud uses data and AI to help you set clear targets, track every opportunity, and stay focused on what matters most.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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What are SMART goals?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

SMART goals are goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. This framework helps you turn vague ideas into clear, realistic targets with clear steps and deadlines. It outlines exactly what success looks like and how to get there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SMART Goals vs. Unspecified Goals<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Example<\/strong><\/th>Goal<\/strong><\/th>SMART version<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Lifestyle<\/td>Get fitter<\/td>Run three times per week for 30 minutes until I can run without walking.<\/td><\/tr>
Workplace<\/td>Improve client communication<\/td>Send weekly progress updates to all active clients every Friday for the next three months.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Specific<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your goal needs to be clear and easily understood. For instance, instead of saying that your goal is to \u2018grow your social media<\/a>\u2019, you might say you want to \u2018increase your Instagram follower count by 1,000 this quarter by posting five reels and four images a week\u2019.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro tip:<\/strong> Start your goal with an action verb like increase<\/em>, launch<\/em>, or complete<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Measurable<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You need to have clearly defined metrics that make it easy to monitor success. Often, this comes down to quantifying your objective and setting a timeframe. Instead of \u2018boosting email newsletter<\/a> signups\u2019, try \u2018increasing email newsletter signups by 50% in three months\u2019. Without measurable targets, it\u2019s hard to tell if your efforts are paying off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro tip<\/strong>: Choose one main metric to track progress. Focusing on too many numbers at once can confuse your results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Achievable<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your goal should be realistic and attainable within your timeframe. Increasing your conversion rate by 300% in a month might be an exciting prospect, but if this is unrealistic for your business, it may lead to misplaced expectations and frustration. When goals are achievable, you\u2019re more likely to stay consistent and see results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro tip<\/strong>: Check past performance before setting a new goal. Realistic growth builds momentum, while unrealistic targets kill motivation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Relevant<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your goal should be relevant to your broader business objectives. For this, you need to answer the \u2018why\u2019 of your SMART goal. Instead of simply saying you want to \u2018increase customer lifetime value<\/a>\u2019, you might say \u2018increase customer lifetime value to support our shift toward a subscription-based service and improve long-term revenue predictability\u2019. If a goal isn\u2019t relevant, even success can feel hollow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro tip<\/strong>: Before committing, ask yourself why this goal matters right now. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Time-bound<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You should set a deadline to achieve your goal, as this keeps you accountable. For example, rather than saying you want to \u2018increase sales<\/a> by 20%\u2019, say you want to \u2018increase sales by 20% in six months\u2019. Deadlines turn good intentions into real results by giving you a clear finish line to work towards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro tip<\/strong>: Break long deadlines into smaller milestones. Hitting short-term wins helps you stay motivated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to write SMART goals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve touched on the way a SMART goal works, but now let\u2019s get more specific and look at exactly how to create one (with an example to guide you through the process). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Example<\/strong>: Peter\u2019s dessert store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peter recently launched a new website for his popular dessert brand. He wants to grow his online presence, but progress is slow. He gathers his tech team together in a meeting and says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cListen up. I want to improve my new website\u2019s traffic. Let\u2019s get to it.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peter\u2019s team points out that this goal is too vague, meaning it\u2019ll be difficult to achieve. Peter agrees and heads back to the drawing board. He decides to put the goal through the SMART framework. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Make your goals specific<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To be successful, you need to ensure your goal is specific so it\u2019s clear and actionable. We recommend going for a classic what, who, and how approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n