S – Specific
M – Measurable
A – Achievable
R – Relatable
T – Time Bound
Y – Yield
Specific
You should be specific in setting your goal. Ignore setting the goal more generic as ‘I want to play cricket’. Instead, you can set the goal as ‘I want to play Red Ball cricket as a top-order batsman against leg-spin bowlers.
Measurable
You should measure the progress of achieving your goal. Let’s say you want to hit a six against the bowler who bowls at 150km/Hour speed. You need to practice to hit six against 110km speed bowl, then to 120km speed bowl and so on.
So, your goal should be measurable and your progress towards achieving your goal should also be measurable.
Achievable
Your goal should be achievable. If you want to hit a six for 100 meters, previously it is achieved by other batsmen so you can also achieve it. If you want to hit a six for 120 meters, even if it is not achieved by other batsmen earlier there are possibilities to achieve it. That can be considered as an Achievable goal. But you can’t dream of hitting 250 meters distance six.
Relatable
If you say you’re a national level chess player and your goal is to hit 150 meters six against the best bowler in cricket, then your goal is not relevant.
Your goal should be relevant to your skills, abilities and knowledge.
Time-Bound
You can’t say your goal is to become a doctor. It doesn’t have any timebound. You should mention your targeted time to achieve your goal. Like your goal can be ‘I will become a doctor at the age of 25’.
Yield
The most important factor is the return on investment. When you set a goal and work towards it, you invest your valuable time, energy and money for it. So, it is important to measure the returns you get by achieving your goal. This can be with respect to money or any other benefits.
For example, if I do a course for Rs.1000, my monthly salary will be increased by Rs.500. So, I get exciting returns. This shows the value of your goal even before you start working on it. This will motivate you to achieve your goal.