
102: Use the SMART Goal Setting Method for Better Goal Planning
01/24/23 • 9 min
When we set our goals, let’s use the SMART goal setting methodology so we set realistic goals that we can achieve because we have properly thought through the best way to plan them and achieve them. You know I how I feel about New Years’ resolutions, because at this point, most people have given up on them since they had no solid foundation in being achieved. Let’s plan out goals that make sense for us.
Episode outline:
- Be focused,
- The SMART Goal Setting technique, and
- Ensure you be BOLD this year.
1. SMART goal setting is a method of setting goals that is widely used in business and organizations. The acronym SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. These five criteria are used to ensure that goals are well-defined and achievable.
2. Specific: A specific goal has a clear target or outcome that is well defined. It should answer the questions of what, why and how
3. Measurable: A measurable goal can be quantified or tracked in some way. This allows for progress to be monitored and the goal's achievement to be evaluated.
4. Achievable: The goal should be realistic and attainable. It should be something that can be achieved with the resources and capabilities available.
5. Relevant: A relevant goal is one that aligns with the overall objectives and mission of the organization or individual.
6. Time-bound: A goal should have a specific deadline for completion. This creates a sense of urgency and helps to focus efforts towards achieving the goal.
Please connect with me on:
1. Instagram: stephen.mclain
2. Twitter: smclainiii
3. Facebook: stephenmclainconsultant
4. LinkedIn: stephenjmclainiii
For more resources, please visit stephenmclain.com. On the website, you can download the Leadership Growth Blueprint for Finance and Accounting Managers. You can use this guide to develop your leadership by focusing on communication, and growing and empowering your team.
You can now purchase a course to help you advance your career from financeleaderacademy.com. It's called Advance Your Finance and Accounting Career: Developing a Promotion Strategy that Sets You Apart.
When we set our goals, let’s use the SMART goal setting methodology so we set realistic goals that we can achieve because we have properly thought through the best way to plan them and achieve them. You know I how I feel about New Years’ resolutions, because at this point, most people have given up on them since they had no solid foundation in being achieved. Let’s plan out goals that make sense for us.
Episode outline:
- Be focused,
- The SMART Goal Setting technique, and
- Ensure you be BOLD this year.
1. SMART goal setting is a method of setting goals that is widely used in business and organizations. The acronym SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. These five criteria are used to ensure that goals are well-defined and achievable.
2. Specific: A specific goal has a clear target or outcome that is well defined. It should answer the questions of what, why and how
3. Measurable: A measurable goal can be quantified or tracked in some way. This allows for progress to be monitored and the goal's achievement to be evaluated.
4. Achievable: The goal should be realistic and attainable. It should be something that can be achieved with the resources and capabilities available.
5. Relevant: A relevant goal is one that aligns with the overall objectives and mission of the organization or individual.
6. Time-bound: A goal should have a specific deadline for completion. This creates a sense of urgency and helps to focus efforts towards achieving the goal.
Please connect with me on:
1. Instagram: stephen.mclain
2. Twitter: smclainiii
3. Facebook: stephenmclainconsultant
4. LinkedIn: stephenjmclainiii
For more resources, please visit stephenmclain.com. On the website, you can download the Leadership Growth Blueprint for Finance and Accounting Managers. You can use this guide to develop your leadership by focusing on communication, and growing and empowering your team.
You can now purchase a course to help you advance your career from financeleaderacademy.com. It's called Advance Your Finance and Accounting Career: Developing a Promotion Strategy that Sets You Apart.
Previous Episode

101: Be BOLD in 2023 With Your Goal Setting
This is 2023 and I believe this is the year we become bold in our career execution, our skills development, and our leadership growth. The last few years people have become hesitant due to the challenges we were facing so they did not take risk in their advancement or even in their own lives. We don’t know what will happen this year, but there is great opportunity out there to those willing to develop a plan and mindset to go get it. Be BOLD: Believe, Overcome, Leadership, and Decisive. Be bold in your planning and in the execution of your goals.
Episode outline
- Take action in your career,
- Have a written plan,
- Be BOLD in 2023, and
- Become a Finance Leader.
Please connect with me on:
1. Instagram: stephen.mclain
2. Twitter: smclainiii
3. Facebook: stephenmclainconsultant
4. LinkedIn: stephenjmclainiii
iPhone productivity tip video: Schedule Notifications
Wall Street Journal article: Why So Many Accountants Are Quitting
Email me about your thoughts on the article: [email protected]
For more resources, please visit stephenmclain.com. On the website, you can download the Leadership Growth Blueprint for Finance and Accounting Managers. You can use this guide to develop your leadership by focusing on communication, and growing and empowering your team.
You can now purchase a course to help you advance your career from financeleaderacademy.com. It's called Advance Your Finance and Accounting Career: Developing a Promotion Strategy that Sets You Apart.
Next Episode

103: Achieve Your Goals
I am sharing what it means to set a plan and then to stay organized and focused so you can go achieve it. You must be persistent, and never quit. You can assess and reorganize, but never quit. What will you do when an obstacle gets in your way? What will you do when you have distractions? How will you ensure you have the right people around you so they support you? There are so many considerations after put your goals on the page.
Episode outline:
- Achievement begins with our mindset,
- Setting great habits and a daily routine are key,
- Stay organized,
- Be persistent,
- Ensure you surround yourself with supportive people, and
- Develop a plan so you stay focused.
Please connect with me on:
1. Instagram: stephen.mclain
2. Twitter: smclainiii
3. Facebook: stephenmclainconsultant
4. LinkedIn: stephenjmclainiii
For more resources, please visit stephenmclain.com. On the website, you can download the Leadership Growth Blueprint for Finance and Accounting Managers. You can use this guide to develop your leadership by focusing on communication, and growing and empowering your team.
You can now purchase a course to help you advance your career from financeleaderacademy.com. It's called Advance Your Finance and Accounting Career: Developing a Promotion Strategy that Sets You Apart.
The Finance Leader Podcast - 102: Use the SMART Goal Setting Method for Better Goal Planning
Transcript
Last episode, I talked about goal setting for 2023. And that I want you to be bold this year. That's bold. B believe Oh overcome, l leadership and D decisive. When we set our goals, let's use the SMART Goal Setting methodology. So we set realistic goals that we can achieve, because we have properly thought through the best way to plan them, and achieve them. You know how I feel about New Year's resolutions, because at this point, most people
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