Stretch Goals vs SMART Goals: What's the Difference?
A stretch goal is an ambitious goal that doesn't take into account all the possible “buts”, “no time”, “no opportunity” and so on. It is a dreamer's goal, where setting it removes all constraints.
When setting an ambitious goal, you think you can do anything, and then you think about what you need to do to achieve it.
A smart goal is one that you set based on an objective situation. You understand not only your limitations but also your possibilities. You don't dream of the unattainable.
Part of the difference between a reasonable and a stretch goal is that you are likelier to achieve a reasonable goal than a stretch goal.
Which is the best goal to set?
Set both. A smart goal and a stretch goal may not be contradictory, but complementary. Sometimes realizing a smart goal brings you one step closer to a stretch goal.
What Does SMART Goals Stand For?
Their definition is embedded in the acronym.
S - specific
This is the foundation of a smart goal. The more specific it is, the better. Ideally, it answers simple questions like “Who?”, “Why?”, “Where?”, “What?”, etc.
M - Measurable
Achieving a smart goal should result in you achieving some sort of metric. What will it be?
A - Accessible
On the one hand, a smart goal should motivate and challenge you, and on the other hand, it should be realistic. A smart goal should have a concrete plan of how exactly you can achieve it.
R - Realistic
The smart target reflects the needs of the day. The feasibility of the smart target should not be in question.
T - Time-based
A smart goal should have a strict time limit: when exactly the work to achieve it starts and in what time frame it should be achieved.
So the answer to the question “what do SMART goals mean?” is this: smart goals are specific, situation-relevant, measurable, and potentially achievable goals within the allotted timeframe.
SMART Goals Examples for Personal and Professional Success
Three examples of smart goals for business:
1. Rebrand the corporate identity to reflect the company's values, mission, and objectives within the next six months.
2. Increase the number of customers in the database by 5% over the next 12 months.
3. Expand the coffee shop network from five to seven over the next year without losing service quality or staffing levels.
Three examples of personal smart goals:
1. Come up with a plot for a children's book, write it, edit it, and submit it to publishers within the next six months;
2. Walk at least five thousand steps every day for the next three months regardless of circumstances;
3. Reduce time on social media from my phone to a maximum of 45 minutes per day from October 1 through October 21.
How to Write SMART Goals: Step-by-Step Guide
Let's say you have a bakery that has a rating of 4.1 out of a possible five points in user reviews. And you want to make the rating higher. Let's consider what your smart goal might be in this case.
S - Specific
You have to ask yourself a specific question: do you want to improve the flaws that cause visitors to downgrade your establishment? Or do you only want to improve your rating in reviews? The plan of action will differ depending on your answers.
Suppose customers are downgrading because of poor service, and you choose to improve your rating by increasing customer satisfaction.
Then a smart goal based on specificity could be “Increase service level”.
M - Measurable
How will you recognize that the service level has become higher?
Based on measurability, the smart goal changes to “Improve the level of service so that the institution's rating indicators become at least 4.5 points”.
A - Achievable
Is it realistic for your institution to achieve such an indicator? Are you ready to strive for this indicator? Let's assume that yes.
R - Relevant
Does this goal fit your life and professional situation? If yes, it does, then excellent.
T - Time-based
How much time do you want to achieve this goal in? Define it and adjust the goal.
Based on the timing, the smart goal changes to “Improve the level of service so that the facility's rating scores become at least a 4.5 by the end of the next six months”.
The 5 Dos and Don'ts When Creating SMART Goals
1. DO NOT think abstractly. The more specific, the more figures in your smart goal, the more accurate your goal and, as a result, more achievable.
2. DO NOT think without considering the human factor. Setting a smart goal requires analyzing the capabilities of each of your employees and the team as a whole;
3. DO break down goals into sub-goals. Outlining small steps to achieve one main goal is the best option.
4. DO change smart goals. If they suddenly become irrelevant or unattainable, it's better to adjust them than to bang your head against the wall.
5. DO NOT keep silent about smart goals. Your employees need to know exactly what you're going for, not just follow obscure steps to achieve it. A smart goal is motivating.
Using a SMART Goals Template for Better Planning
Basic SMART goal template
How Voiset Can Help You Achieve SMART and Stretch Goals
1. Plan tasks in Voiset
The main difficulty in achieving goals is the need to plan the steps to accomplish them. Voiset plans activities for you based on your workload. This way you increase your chances of realizing both stretch goals and smart goals.
2. Track your tasks
Collect statistics, analyze your productivity, and track your progress with the data Voiset collects for you.
3. Manage your goals with smart auto-scheduling
Dictate a task and AI will find the best time to complete it in your schedule and send you a reminder.
Achieving goals is usually bogged down by three main problems:
1. Poor organization
Voiset organizes your schedule perfectly;
2. Lack of productivity
Voiset will help you use your time as productively as possible and make sure you don't overwork yourself.
3. lack of flexibility
Voiset will adjust your schedule without question if your circumstances change.
To reach your goals, it is important to keep yourself motivated. Voiset will give it to you in the form of statistics that will reflect every step you take.
With a smart planner, you will be able to go towards your goal at high speed, avoiding all major difficulties. Try Voiset to achieve both stretch goals and smart goals!
