In the fast-paced world of professional endeavors, ambition is a common thread. We strive to climb the career ladder, launch successful businesses, and make a lasting impact. But in a land of smart and ambitious individuals, simply having goals isn’t enough. You need a sharper edge, a strategic roadmap to navigate challenges and achieve true success. Enter SMARTER objectives, a powerful framework designed to propel you beyond the limitations of traditional goal setting.

While the SMART acronym (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) has long been a cornerstone of effective goal setting, SMARTER takes it a step further. It recognizes that achieving ambitious goals requires constant evaluation and adaptation.

What Makes SMARTER Objectives Different?

SMARTER builds upon the SMART framework by incorporating two additional crucial elements.

  • Evaluate and Evolve: Regularly assess your progress and be willing to adapt your approach as needed. Did your initial marketing strategy fall flat? SMARTER objectives encourage you to analyze the results and adjust your tactics for better performance.
  • Refined & Resource-Aligned: Ensure you have the resources (time, money, skills) to achieve your goals. Maybe you need to find a mentor, delegate tasks, or take a relevant online course. SMARTER objectives emphasize realistic resource allocation, making your goals achievable.

The Power of SMARTER Objectives in Action

Let’s consider a very real but fictional, real-life example of how SMARTER objectives can benefit a Sri Lankan professional. Imagine Kavindi, a marketing manager for a growing eco-tourism company. Inspired by the country’s rich biodiversity, she aspires to increase their social media engagement by 30% within the next quarter (Specific and Time-bound). In her research she stumbles upon this article and decided to map out a SMARTER objective.

Kavindi starts by making her objective Measurable.

  • She tracks the current average number of likes, comments, and shares across their social media platforms.
  • This baseline data will provide a benchmark for measuring progress.

Next, she ensures the goal is Achievable and Relevant.

  • Kavindi researches successful social media strategies for eco-tourism companies in the region.
  • She identifies trends and tailors her approach to resonate with their target audience.

Kavindi then incorporates the Evaluative aspect of SMARTER.

  • She dedicates a portion of her week to analyzing her social media performance.
  • Are certain types of content generating more engagement?
  • Is the posting schedule effective?

Based on her analysis, Kavindi refines her strategy (Refined & Resource-Aligned)

  • She discovers that stunning visuals of Sri Lankan landscapes are highly engaging.
  • Kavindi increases the frequency of these posts and partners with local photographers to ensure high-quality content.
  • She also identifies a need for more interactive content and launches a weekly “Ask Me Anything” session with their resident wildlife expert.

Through this continual evaluation and resource alignment, Kavindi not only achieves her initial goal of a 30% increase in social media engagement, but she also surpasses it, propelling her company to a wider audience.

Let’s look at one more example.

Imagine Nimal, a passionate fictional baker with a dream of opening a bakery specializing in traditional Sri Lankan sweets. He outlines his SMART goal: “Open a bakery within 6 months, offering a variety of Sri Lankan sweets” (Specific and Time-bound).

Nimal then makes his goal Measurable.

  • He defines success as attracting at least 50 customers daily within the first month of operation.

He ensures the goal is Achievable and Relevant.

  • Nimal analyzes the local market to identify potential customer demographics and desired product offerings.

However, the initial SMART approach lacks the adaptability of SMARTER objectives.

Challenges Arise.

  • Six months into planning, Nimal discovers a suitable location but the rent is higher than anticipated.
  • He also encounters unexpected delays in obtaining the necessary licenses.

Without the Evaluative aspect of SMARTER, Nimal might abandon the project due to these unforeseen obstacles.

Nimal finds this Article and Starts Thinking SMARTER.

  • Nimal re-evaluates his resources and adjusts his timeline (Time-bound) to accommodate the delays.
  • He explores alternative financing options to meet the higher rental costs (Refined & Resource-Aligned).

The Power of Adaptation.

  • By adapting to challenges and aligning his resources, Nimal successfully opens his bakery a few months later than initially planned.
  • However, thanks to his revised strategy, he secures a prime location and attracts a loyal customer base from day one, exceeding his initial sales targets.

SMARTER Objectives: Beyond Business

The power of SMARTER objectives extends far beyond the realm of business and professional pursuits. It’s a valuable tool for anyone striving for personal growth, self-improvement, or simply achieving their desired outcomes in life. Here are a few examples.

  • Fitness Goals: Imagine setting a goal to “lose weight” (SMART). SMARTER refines this by specifying a target weight loss (e.g., 5 kg), tracking progress (weekly weigh-ins), and incorporating regular fitness assessments to adapt your exercise routine (Evaluative).
  • Learning a New Skill: A SMART goal might be “learn a new language.” SMARTER takes this further by defining the desired level of proficiency (e.g., conversational fluency), setting milestones (complete X lessons per week), and scheduling regular self-assessments (Evaluative) to identify areas for improvement.
  • Travel Aspirations: A SMART goal could be “travel to Europe.” SMARTER makes it more actionable by specifying the desired destinations (e.g., France and Italy), researching travel budgets (Resource-Aligned), and creating a timeline that considers your work schedule and finances (Time-bound).

The Benefits of SMARTER Objectives

By incorporating the Evaluative and Resource-Aligned aspects, SMARTER objectives offer several key benefits.

  • Increased Accountability: Regular evaluation keeps you on track and prevents complacency. Reflecting on progress motivates you to stay committed and adjust your approach as needed.
  • Improved Flexibility: Life throws curveballs. SMARTER objectives allow you to adapt to unforeseen challenges and modify your goals or strategies accordingly.
  • Enhanced Resource Management: By carefully considering the resources required to achieve your goals, you ensure you have the tools and support systems in place for success.
  • Boosted Confidence: Achieving milestones and exceeding your initial goals fosters a sense of self-efficacy and fuels your motivation for future endeavors.

Getting Started with SMARTER Objectives

Here are some practical steps to get you started.

  • Identify Your Goals: Brainstorm and clearly define what you want to achieve. Be specific and ambitious, yet realistic.
  • Make Them SMART: Apply the core SMART principles to your goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
  • Incorporate Evaluation: Schedule regular check-ins to assess your progress. Are you on track? Do you need to adjust your strategies?
  • Refine and Reallocate: Based on your evaluation, refine your approach and ensure you have the resources needed to succeed.

Remember, SMARTER objectives are a continuous process, not a rigid formula. Embrace the iterative nature of this framework and adapt it to your unique goals and circumstances.

Sri Lanka, with its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, unique business opportunities and traditional ‘do it somehow’ entrepreneurial spirit, will give you an edge if you are applying SMARTER objectives correctly. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a budding entrepreneur, or simply someone seeking personal growth, SMARTER objectives turn your aspirations into reality.

If you have read up to this point; this article is just the beginning of your journey with SMARTER objectives. As you embark on this path, remember, the most important element is action. Start by applying SMARTER principles to a specific goal you have, and witness the power in action.