SMART Formula

A flexible objective-writing checklist; common modern wording is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, while Doran's original used Assignable and Realistic.

SMART is a checklist for making an objective more explicit. A common modern version uses Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Doran's 1981 formulation used Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic, and Time-related, so the acronym has multiple legitimate variants rather than one original fixed wording.

Use the questions to expose unclear action, evidence, ownership, resources, purpose, and timing. An easily measured target can still be misguided, and not every worthwhile aim needs a numerical score. For exploratory work, specify a useful learning milestone and review point instead of pretending an uncertain outcome can be guaranteed.

When to use it

When an objective is too vague to guide action or evaluate progress, including bounded learning milestones for uncertain work.

How it can help

Clarify intended change, evidence, ownership, resources, purpose, and timing without forcing every valuable aim into a numerical target.