How to Use SMART Goals to Succeed in 2026

Ready to make 2026 your most successful year yet? Discover how the proven SMART Goal Principle can transform your ambitions into actionable steps, whether you’re a business owner aiming for growth, a life coach guiding clients, or someone seeking personal development.

SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINEGOD'S PLAN AND PURPOSE

Mildred White

12/30/20252 min read

The SMART goal principle was developed as part of the Management by Objectives (MBO) strategy attributed to Peter Drucker.1 Its purpose is to make goals clearer and more actionable, thereby increasing the likelihood of achieving them. Click here to know more.

The SMART acronym—Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic, and Time-bound—was later introduced by George T. Doran in 1981, building on Drucker’s MBO concept to make objectives more actionable and defined. Today, the SMART framework is a widely recognized method for setting and achieving goals, directly inspired by the principles Drucker established decades earlier.1

Since then, the SMART goal principle has been adapted and applied by many organizations, as well as by life coaches and individuals as a personal development strategy.

Here’s my perspective on goal setting using the SMART principle as it applies to personal development and achieving individual goals.

Read the example and some practical steps below.

SMART Goal Example: To lose 25 lbs by October, I will shed at least 2 lbs per month by going to the gym 3x a week, preparing meals consisting mainly of protein and vegetables, and limiting carbs to twice a week, instead of every day.

Human knowledge is steadily increasing and has greatly surpassed that of our ancestors. Yet, the finite human mind can never achieve greater wisdom than our Creator.

"For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness." 1 Corinthians 3:19.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

With this in mind, let us remember that achieving a goal and fulfilling God’s purpose are not necessarily the same thing. Let us seek God’s purpose first, then align our goals with His will and purpose. This is the only way we can find meaning in all our hard work and achievements. This is how we define success.

1Reference: https://www.forbes.com/sites/victorlipman/2016/11/02/why-smart-job-objectives-are-exactly-that/