You are an architect. You thoughtfully design and create a plan, outlining your plan for success. What does your blueprint look like? What goals do I need to accomplish to make my blueprint a reality? Do you doubt your “drafting” skills? We could all use a refresher, so sharpen your pencil, below are a few tips for setting SMART goals.

Goal setting is the best way to transform lofty resolutions into bottom-line results. Research shows that when entrepreneurs set measurable goals for themselves, they’re more like to achieve them. When you engage in true goal setting, you define your objectives in practical, measurable terms. You also need to identify the resources, time and funds you’ll need to invest to attain them. That’s how you develop action plans, or your blueprint.

We have all heard about setting SMART goals. This is not a new concept, but one that works! Each goal must be defined so that it meets the following criteria:

S – Specific
M – Measurable
A – Achievable
R – Realistic
T – Timely

Specific, achievable and realistic– Make sure your goals are concrete, concise and attainable. Instead of, “I want to make a lot more money this year,” specify “I want to increase my revenues by X percent (a realistic amount) by the end of the year.”

Measurable– Frame your goals in such a way so you can measure your progress. For example, plan on measuring monthly or quarterly revenues against last year’s figures–something you should be doing anyway.

Timely– Give yourself a reasonable time frame for achieving your goal. Then break it down into smaller, short-term increments. Realistically, you may not achieve that X percent increase early in the year, but you can work toward it. Divide your goal percent increase into monthly or quarterly increments that allows you to build on your momentum. This produces measurable, attainable and short-term goals to pursue.

Record your goals and action plans on paper, like a blueprint. Whether you write them down or type them, the very act of recording them will help you work through your ideas. Once your plans are complete, you’ll have a detailed roadmap with directions to follow. Review your goals and plans regularly. Make a monthly appointment with yourself if that’s what it takes. This will help keep you on track as time unfolds. Revise your blueprint as you achieve new successes and growth; all you need are basic “drafting” skills to start setting SMART goals.