What is a Measurable Goal?

A measurable goal is a goal that can be quantified and tracked. This means that you can use specific metrics to measure your progress towards achieving the goal. Measurable goals are important because they help you stay motivated and on track. They also allow you to see how close you are to achieving your goal, which can help you make adjustments as needed.

Key Facts

  1. Running a marathon:
    • Specific: Start training every day to run a marathon.
    • Measurable: Use a fitness tracking device to track training progress as mileage increases.
    • Attainable: Already have a solid baseline fitness level and have run a half-marathon.
    • Relevant: Value health and wellness, and this fitness goal will help sustain that.
    • Time-bound: Be ready for the marathon in June of next year.
  2. Writing a book:
    • Specific: Turn an idea into a novel.
    • Measurable: Write at least 100,000 words and spend at least three hours each day working on it.
    • Attainable: Have more time for the project as a retired individual and have a passion for reading and writing.
    • Relevant: Reading and writing have always been a passion, which motivates becoming an author.
    • Time-bound: Start writing in the first week of July and finish the first draft by December.
  3. Building a better relationship:
    • Specific: Build a better relationship with a father, being more aware of his well-being.
    • Measurable: Talk to him over the phone twice weekly and meet up for breakfast every Sunday, setting reminders to check in with him about mentioned life events.
    • Attainable: Live close to each other and have improved work-life balance.
    • Relevant: Strengthen the bond, build autonomy in relationships, and understand family members more.
    • Time-bound: Call him this Friday, ask him to breakfast, maintain the plan until the end of the month, and set new goals for the end of the year.

Examples of Measurable Goals

Here are some examples of measurable goals:

  • Running a marathon:
    • Specific: Start training every day to run a marathon.
    • Measurable: Use a fitness tracking device to track training progress as mileage increases.
    • Attainable: Already have a solid baseline fitness level and have run a half-marathon.
    • Relevant: Value health and wellness, and this fitness goal will help sustain that.
    • Time-bound: Be ready for the marathon in June of next year.
  • Writing a book:
    • Specific: Turn an idea into a novel.
    • Measurable: Write at least 100,000 words and spend at least three hours each day working on it.
    • Attainable: Have more time for the project as a retired individual and have a passion for reading and writing.
    • Relevant: Reading and writing have always been a passion, which motivates becoming an author.
    • Time-bound: Start writing in the first week of July and finish the first draft by December.
  • Building a better relationship:
    • Specific: Build a better relationship with a father, being more aware of his well-being.
    • Measurable: Talk to him over the phone twice weekly and meet up for breakfast every Sunday, setting reminders to check in with him about mentioned life events.
    • Attainable: Live close to each other and have improved work-life balance.
    • Relevant: Strengthen the bond, build autonomy in relationships, and understand family members more.
    • Time-bound: Call him this Friday, ask him to breakfast, maintain the plan until the end of the month, and set new goals for the end of the year.

Conclusion

Measurable goals are an important part of any goal-setting process. They help you stay motivated, track your progress, and make adjustments as needed. When setting measurable goals, be sure to make them specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound.

References:

  1. Examples of Measurable Goals and Objectives. (n.d.). Tennessee Technological University. Retrieved from https://www.tntech.edu/research/pdf/resources/proposaldevelopmentresources/Examples_of_Measurable_Goals_and_Objectives.pdf
  2. Miles, M. (2023, July 27). 10 SMART goal examples for your whole life. BetterUp. Retrieved from https://www.betterup.com/blog/smart-goals-examples
  3. Drew, C. (2023, September 29). 51 Measurable Goals Examples (Printable Template). Helpful Professor. Retrieved from https://helpfulprofessor.com/measurable-goals-examples/

FAQs

What is a measurable goal?

A measurable goal is a goal that can be quantified and tracked. This means that you can use specific metrics to measure your progress towards achieving the goal.

Why are measurable goals important?

Measurable goals are important because they help you stay motivated and on track. They also allow you to see how close you are to achieving your goal, which can help you make adjustments as needed.

What are some examples of measurable goals?

Some examples of measurable goals include:

  • Running a marathon in under 4 hours
  • Writing a 100,000-word novel
  • Increasing your monthly income by 10%
  • Losing 20 pounds
  • Saving $10,000 for a down payment on a house

How can I make my goals measurable?

To make your goals measurable, you can use the following tips:

  • Be specific: What exactly do you want to achieve?
  • Set a target: How much do you want to achieve?
  • Choose a timeframe: When do you want to achieve your goal?
  • Identify metrics: How will you measure your progress?

What are some common mistakes people make when setting measurable goals?

Some common mistakes people make when setting measurable goals include:

  • Setting goals that are too vague: For example, “I want to be healthier” is too vague. Instead, set a specific goal, such as “I want to lose 20 pounds.”
  • Setting goals that are too ambitious: Be realistic about what you can achieve. If you set a goal that is too ambitious, you are likely to give up.
  • Not setting a timeframe: Without a timeframe, you have no sense of urgency. Set a specific date by which you want to achieve your goal.
  • Not tracking your progress: If you don’t track your progress, you won’t know how close you are to achieving your goal. Set up a system for tracking your progress so that you can stay motivated and make adjustments as needed.

How can I stay motivated to achieve my measurable goals?

Here are some tips for staying motivated to achieve your measurable goals:

  • Break your goal down into smaller steps: This will make your goal seem less daunting and more achievable.
  • Set realistic deadlines for each step: This will help you stay on track and avoid procrastination.
  • Track your progress: Seeing how far you’ve come will help you stay motivated and focused.
  • Reward yourself for your accomplishments: This will help you stay positive and motivated.

What should I do if I’m struggling to achieve my measurable goal?

If you’re struggling to achieve your measurable goal, here are some things you can do:

  • Reassess your goal: Make sure that your goal is still relevant and achievable. If it’s not, you may need to adjust it.
  • Break your goal down into even smaller steps: This will make it seem less daunting and more achievable.
  • Get support from others: Talk to your friends, family, or a coach about your goal. They can offer support and encouragement.
  • Don’t give up: Keep working towards your goal, even if you experience setbacks. Just keep at it and you will eventually achieve it.

How can I use measurable goals to improve my life?

Measurable goals can be used to improve your life in many ways. For example, you can use measurable goals to:

  • Improve your health and fitness: Set goals to eat healthier, exercise more, and lose weight.
  • Improve your career: Set goals to get a promotion, increase your salary, or start your own business.
  • Improve your relationships: Set goals to spend more time with your loved ones, communicate better, and resolve conflicts.
  • Improve your finances: Set goals to save more money, pay off debt, and invest for the future.
  • Improve your personal development: Set goals to learn new skills, read more books, and travel to new places.

By setting and achieving measurable goals, you can take control of your life and create the future you want.