In Phil Gerbyshak's blog you can read about modification of SMART planning method. It seems to be very useful:
"In the past, I've written about, and used, the SMART goal setting model, but after much reading and thought, I realize now that goals need to be SMARTER in order to be most successful for me.
SMARTER goals, broken down:
S - Goals must be Specific and the more specific the better. State your goal in as exact of terms as possible.
M - Targets should be Measurable. That which you measure will be treasured, so think about what will be the measurement of your achievement of your goal.
A - Goals should have Accountability. Who or what are you accountable to for the goal?
R - Goals must be Realistic. Unrealistic goals will lead to discouragement.
T - Targets should be Time based. Decide your time-table for completion, and stick to it.
E - Goals should be Exciting. Exciting goals will be met far sooner than boring, bland goals.
R - Goals should be Recorded, in a place where you can look at it every day.
OK, so let's break down one of my goals for 2006, and see how this works in action.
I will earn by Competent Toast Master (CTM) designation by December 1st, 2006.
Specific - Yes, this is very specific. It says exactly what I am going to do.
Measurable - Yes, this is measurable. CTM designation is something that takes 10 speeches to do in Toastmasters, so if I do these 10 speeches, this goal will be achieved.
Accountability - I'm sharing it with you, so I'm accountable to all of you. I'm also including this in my goals at work, as public speaking is part of what I do, and letting my Toastmasters Mentor know about my goal (I'm sending him this post), so I am accountable to many others.
Realistic - This is absolutely a realistic goal for me. I have given 2 speeches in 2005, so I have to increase my output 4 times. I can do this, but it will take effort.
Exciting - Definitely an exciting goal for me to achieve. As a new Toastmaster, I will be able to improve my speaking ability by doing this, and it will also help our club achieve more distinguished status.
Recorded - I wrote it down here, I'll be putting it on a note card with my other goals, it will be in my HR system at work, and I'll review it every day to remind myself of its importance."