Many CPAs are familiar with the SMART criteria for goal-setting — an acronym first mentioned in a 1981 paper by George T. Doran, requiring goals to be:
Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound
Following the SMART framework is the first step in creating reachable goals — however, it shouldn’t be the only one. Goals are only achievable when an action plan is implemented (and adhered to!) and progress is tracked regularly.
The finance team at the Colorado Society of CPAs