I was still in prison when I first learned about the concept of SMART goals. The idea stuck with me. It made such an impression that I dedicated the second module of our course, The Straight-A Guide, specifically on goal setting.
George T. Doran introduced the concept of SMART goals with an article he wrote in 1981 that he titled “There’s a S.M.A.R.T. Way to Write Management’s Goals and Objectives,” published in Management Review. His framework “SMART” stood for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Incorporating this model into my own life proved transformative. It didn’t only help me get through the term, but it also gave a clear structure for envisioning—and then realizing—what I hoped to both share with others, and accomplish myself.
Earlier, I wrote about how Socrates inspired me to think about the people I would meet upon release, and to consider steps I could take to influence them. By asking Socratic questions, I came up with a three-pronged strategy:
- I would strive to educate myself.
- I would try to contribute to society in meaningful, measurable ways.
- I would work to build a support network.
Although I couldn’t control when I’d get out of prison, I could control the way I worked toward that plan. SMART goals helped me put structure around each part of my strategy:
- Education: I pledged to earn at least one university degree within ten years.
- Contribution: I pledged to become a published author within ten years.
- Support Network: I pledged to find ten mentors and bring them into my life within ten years.
Those clear, specific, measurable targets helped me stay on track. After I completed my prison term, I set new goals. Building on the lessons I learned, I felt confident in using the SMART framework to strive for financial stability. One of my first post-prison goals was to earn $1 million within five years. By leveraging all I had learned from so many leaders while incarcerated, I not only achieved that objective, but I also learned to define success differently—always with the strategy of setting the next SMART goal.
Today, as I write this blog on January 15, 2025, Carole and I are celebrating my 61st birthday. I completed my prison term on August 12, 2013. Since then, I’ve exceeded the goals that I set many times over. Yet even now, I’m setting new goals—because the more I learn, the more I realize how much further I can grow. The specific goals may change, but the strategy of setting and pursuing SMART goals remains constant.
Self-Directed Learning Question
- What specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goal can you set right now that would move you closer to the future you want to create—even if you’re dealing with an ongoing challenge or crisis?