In 1979, a study was conducted at Harvard University among graduate students. Students were asked, “Have you set written goals for your future?” and “If so, how do you plan to accomplish them?”
The study found only 3% had written goals with action plans, 13% had goals but did not write them down, and 84% had no specific goals at all. Ten years later, the study interviewed the same group of individuals again. It found the 13% who had goals but did not write them down were earning twice as much as the 84% who had no goals at all. Most notably, the study found the 3% who had written specific goals were earning on average 10 times more than the other 97% combined.
Even though this study was taken more than 30 years ago it is intriguing to me because it shows how something that’s so simple can have such a profound impact. And it shows how many people just do not do it!
At Heartland Dental, everyone plays a key role in our success. From executives to supported doctors and team members, we all want to help each other to be the best we can be, while also holding each other accountable.
One of the ways we can do that is by writing down goals. Everyone from our team members to our leadership team writes down their 10 individual goals each year. We also create company goals, so that everyone knows and can offer support to what we are striving to accomplish. These goals help us chart a path forward to keep us focused and aligned. As the COO, for me, two examples may be focusing on building and growing my operations leadership team and being the best Chief Operating Officer I can be.
Setting and writing goals can be overwhelming. But we work with supported doctors and their team members to assist them in developing goals for their businesses and themselves by using the SMART format. This format not only propels individuals forward and provides them with direction, but it also brings everyone together.
A SMART goal is one that is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time based. In other words, a goal that is very clear and easily understood. Once 10 goals have been established, we put them in a SMART format with at least 5 action items under each goal. We truly believe following the outline below helps us all be our very best.
Specific
Define the goal in as much detail as possible. A specific goal has a better chance of being accomplished than a general goal. You’ll want to be sure to include:
- Who will be involved?
- What do you want to accomplish?
- When will it be accomplished?
- Why do you want to accomplish this goal?
- Which restrictions or restraints do you foresee?
Measurable
Measurability applies to both the end result and the milestones along the way to attaining a goal. The milestones are signs along the way that will tell you that you are on the right track to achieving your goal. Some examples of questions to ask yourself are:
- What tools will you use to measure how successful or unsuccessful your goal is?
- How will you know when your goal is accomplished?
Attainable
You should ensure that the goals you set are achievable. If you set goals that are unbelievable even to yourself, it is very unlikely you will achieve them.
Relevant/Return on Investment
Your goals must be relevant to what you want to achieve in the short-term and the long-term. Understanding your organizational or personal vision, mission, and purpose is critical in this respect. Sometimes you can be tempted to do something simply because it is easy and sounds great, only to discover later that it has no long-term importance to what you want to achieve as an individual or an organization.
Timely
Establish a time to complete your goal. Try to be as specific as possible. For example, when should your goal be completed?
Achieving Goals
When you have achieved one of your goals, take time to enjoy it. Absorb the feeling of accomplishment that you feel when you achieve your goal because, first of all, you deserve it. And secondly, this will give you the motivation to set other goals and work to achieve them.
Start Now
If you don’t have goals set, it’s not too late to start! Decide on your goals now, write them down, and find the tools you will need to be successful! Once you have experienced the joy of accomplishing your goals, remember to encourage others to write down goals and help them see how beneficial goal setting can be!