## HopeKids, Inc. SMART Planning: Goals, Objectives, and Tactics This document uses the term "goal" broadly, encompassing objectives and tactics within the SMART framework. Understanding this nuance is key. ### What are Goals, Objectives, and Tactics? * **Goals:** The overarching "what" you want to achieve. They define the destination, not the journey. Think of it as the big picture, the ultimate aim. * **Objectives:** Specific, measurable milestones required to reach a goal. They are actionable steps, often starting with verbs like "increase," "obtain," "decrease," etc., and quantified with numbers. Objectives bridge the gap between the broad goal and the concrete actions. * **Tactics:** The specific actions taken to achieve objectives and, ultimately, the goal. Multiple tactics support each objective. Tactics are the "how" – the detailed steps to reach the milestones. The level of detail increases as you move from broad organizational vision and mission (not time-bound or measurable) down to national-level goals, and finally to chapter-level objectives and tactics. Confusing goals and objectives is a common mistake. Remember, goals are the ultimate aim, while objectives are the measurable steps to get there. ### The SMART Framework SMART goals are: * **Specific:** Clearly defined, leaving no room for ambiguity. Answer: Who, what, where, when, why? * **Measurable:** Trackable progress with quantifiable outcomes. Answer: How much, how many? How will you know when it's achieved? * **Attainable/Actionable:** Challenging yet realistic, avoiding unattainable targets. Describe a result. * **Relevant/Realistic:** Worthwhile, aligning with organizational needs and long-term plans. * **Time-Bound:** Includes a deadline, creating urgency and accountability. Answer: By when? ### Examples of SMART Goals * Increase Hope365 donors by X% over the next Y months. * Add X HopeKids families by Y date or in Y year. * Add X new HopeNotes subscribers by Y date. * Conduct a minimum of X face-to-face donor meetings per week in Y year. * Add X new event partners by Y month. * Launch/Create/Write/Complete/Join X by Y date. ### Example 1: Professional Golfer **Non-SMART Goal:** Play better. **SMART Goal:** Win 2 tournaments in 2016. **Objectives:** * Reduce putts/green to less than 1.75 by June. * Average better than 67% greens in regulation in 2016. * Reduce scoring average to below 70 in 2016. * Add three new tournaments to schedule in 2016. **Tactics:** * Increase 3’ - 12’ putting practice to 60 mins/day. * Spend 60 mins/day on 75’ - 125y shots. * Buy and start using TrackMan by end of January and compare data weekly. * Hire personal trainer/dietician by end of January and work with them 3 days/week. This example shows how breaking down a vague goal into specific, measurable objectives and tactics leads to a clear plan for success. ### Example 2: Weight Loss **Non-SMART Goal:** I want to lose weight. **SMART Goal:** Eliminate my Type 2 Diabetes within 12 months. **Objectives:** * Lose 30 lbs in 6 months. * Reduce blood pressure to 120/80 by June. * Reduce fasting blood sugar to less than 100 mg/dl by June. * Reduce Total Cholesterol to less than 200 mg/dl by June. **Tactics:** * Reduce caloric intake to 1,500 cal/day immediately. * Buy a gym membership by the first week of January. * Start exercising 60 mins 3 days/week. * Start the process to stop smoking immediately. Even seemingly immeasurable goals like "feel better" can be approached with SMART planning by focusing on measurable indicators that contribute to that feeling. ### Key Takeaway The SMART framework transforms vague aspirations into actionable plans, increasing the likelihood of achieving your goals. By clearly defining goals, objectives, and tactics, you create a roadmap for success, fostering accountability and maximizing impact.