How to Create SMART Goals and Strategize
This project guide helps two Sky’s the Limit members work together through four meetings as they collaborate to create SMART goals.
Meeting 1: Set goals
Before this meeting:
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Make sure that you’ve had an intro meeting. If you need help navigating your first meeting, visit this Guide to Your First Meeting.
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Review: SMART Goals article
In this meeting:
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SMART goals are
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Specific
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Measurable
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Attainable
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Relevant and
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Time-bound
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Brainstorm all the goals you have for your business now and for the future.
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Use the SMART Goals section of the Mentoring Meeting Guide to record your three most important goals.
After this meeting:
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Review the goals you created with your mentor, friends, or family.
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Note any agreed-upon next steps.
Meeting 2: Plan
Before this meeting:
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Review the SMART Goals your recorded in your last meeting
In this meeting:
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How you can break down your larger goals into smaller, more specific actions?
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Determine if you need additional resources, people, or tools to accomplish those smaller goals.
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Talk about anything that might get in the way of you accomplishing your goal. What can you do now to try to overcome those obstacles?
After this meeting:
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Share your goals with another member of Sky’s the Limit and ask for feedback.
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Note any agreed-upon next steps.
Meeting 3: Act and track
Before this meeting:
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Review your revised SMART Goals and re-review the SMART Goals article.
In this meeting:
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Repeat the mantra “Done is better than perfect” and then brainstorm how you can start to work on at least one of your goals now.
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It may help to use the 5Cs of Problem Solving to guide this conversation.
After this meeting:
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Put your plan in action and begin working toward your goals. Make sure to note any success and challenges you have along the way.
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Note any agreed-upon next steps.
Meeting 4: Reflect and learn
Before this meeting:
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Review your notes from each of your previous meetings for this project.
In this meeting:
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Reflect on your experience:
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What went as planned?
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What did not go as planned?
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Will you continue to work on these?
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Is it time to revise your plan and/or set new goals?
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After this meeting:
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Share your accomplishments and experience with anyone you trust to provide you with helpful feedback and encouragement to help you stay motivated.
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Be sure to mark your project complete, update your business tracker, and start a new project!
Want to talk to someone who can help?
Sky’s the Limit members are connected to a community of volunteer business mentors, more free tools and guides like this one, and exclusive funding opportunities.