A S.M.A.R.T. goal is defined by its five key aspects or elements. Without all aspects, you might be goal setting, but not effectively creating a plan for success. Let’s take a closer look at the five elements of S.M.A.R.T. goals.
Specific
Specific goals have a desired outcome that is clearly understood. This might be a sales number or a product rollout goal. No matter what it is, the goal should be clearly articulated so that everyone is on the same page with the objective. Define what will be accomplished and the actions to be taken to accomplish the goal. Goal must be clearly defined —who and what
Measurable
These are the numbers used with the goal. You need to have a quantifiable objective so that you can track progress. Define what data will be used to measure the goal and set a method for collection. The success toward meeting the goal can be measured. Outcome must demonstrate levels of change or improvement.
Achievable
Goals need to be realistic in order to maintain the enthusiasm to try to achieve them. Setting lofty goals is good, but you may want to break them down into smaller, bite-sized chunks. If the goal is not doable, you may need to first ramp up resources to give yourself a shot at success. Ramping up resources would likely be its own S.M.A.R.T. goal. Goals are reasonable and can be achieved.
Relevant
Goals should be aligned with the mission of the company or specific project at hand. Don’t set goals just as an exercise for something to do. One way to determine if the goal is relevant is to define the key benefit to the organization or to your personal goal. The goals are aligned with current tasks and projects and focus in one defined area
Time-Bound
Goals should have a deadline. A goal without a deadline doesn’t do much. How can you identify success or failure? This is why S.M.A.R.T. goals set a final date. This doesn’t mean that all the work is done, but it means that you can evaluate the success of the endeavor and set new goals. Goals have a clearly defined time-frame including a target or deadline date.
Using the information presented as a guide create a SMART goal to improve the indicators of your health problem at short or long term [this is the same health problem you will be completing the PowerPoint on]. include a paragraph to introduce your topic and place it in context for your reader. Do not forget to cite your sources.
SMART goals help improve achievement and success. A SMART goal clarifies exactly what is expected and the measures used to determine if the goal is achieved and successfully completed.
Examples:
Not a SMART goal:
- Reach out to stakeholders.
Does not identify a measurement or time frame, nor identify why the improvement is needed or how it will be used.
SMART goal:
- The Department will launch communications with stakeholders by conducting three focus groups specific to needs assessment and funding by the end of the first quarter.
Please ensure you follow the SMART format.
Bottom of Form
Title: SMART Goal for Improving Health Indicators in Managing Diabetes
Introduction: Diabetes is a prevalent health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Managing diabetes effectively is crucial for preventing complications and maintaining a high quality of life. In this context, I will create a SMART goal to address specific aspects of diabetes management, aiming to improve health indicators in the short and long term. This goal aligns with the mission of promoting better health and well-being for individuals living with diabetes.
SMART Goal: Specific: To improve diabetes management, the goal is to reduce average daily blood glucose levels (measured in mg/dL) by 15% for individuals with Type 2 diabetes over the next six months.
Measurable: Progress toward achieving this goal will be measured through regular monitoring of blood glucose levels using self-monitoring devices or laboratory tests. Data will be collected weekly, and improvements will be tracked and analyzed over the six-month period.
Achievable: This goal is realistic and achievable, as it focuses on a manageable reduction in blood glucose levels that can be attained through lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes, increased physical activity, and medication adherence. Resources such as diabetes education and support will be made available to individuals to assist in achieving this goal.
Relevant: The goal is highly relevant as it directly aligns with the mission of improving diabetes management and reducing the risk of complications associated with diabetes. Lowering blood glucose levels contributes to better overall health and well-being, reducing the burden of diabetes on individuals and the healthcare system.
Time-Bound: This SMART goal has a clearly defined timeframe. The target is to achieve a 15% reduction in average daily blood glucose levels within six months from the start date. This timeframe allows for the assessment of success and the adjustment of strategies if necessary.
By setting this SMART goal, we aim to empower individuals with Type 2 diabetes to take control of their health and effectively manage their condition. Regular monitoring and adjustments to lifestyle choices will be key in achieving improved health indicators and a better quality of life for those affected by diabetes.
Sources:
- American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). Managing Diabetes. https://www.diabetes.org/care/treating-your-diabetes
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html