How to complete projects on time without unrealistic expectations. (Example included)

He sounds surprised, so you set a deadline next week.

Time is finally up. You join the call. You get excited until he shares the screen.

Instead of a simple website, it's just one page. It's not responsive.

Why didn't he use our brand colors and fonts?

And where is the cookie bar or pop-up? You thought that it's mandatory in the EU when you want to use analytics.

You thought...

He responds with: "Well you wanted a simple website... And by the way, where should we migrate the website? Do you have servers and domain ready?"

This is not some imaginary story. This happens every day to people who have no clue about IT but need a website for their new business for a good price.

But the problem is not just in their IT inexperience but mainly accepting a vague goal - a simple website.

The Problem With Vague Goals

Vague goals usually lead to confusion, unrealistic expectations, and a lack of urgency.

They are the number one reason projects don't get finished by the deadline.

It is because:

• Lack of Clarity: Goals are not clear, leading to confusion about what needs to be done.

• Difficult to Measure: Hard to track progress and know when the goal is achieved.

• Unrealistic: Goals may be too difficult or impossible to achieve, leading to frustration.

• Irrelevant: Goals may not align with broader objectives, wasting time and resources.

• No Time Frame: Without a deadline, there is no urgency or motivation to complete the goal.

Luckily George T. Doran introduced SMART goals in 1981, to help individuals and organizations set clear and effective objectives.

SMART Goals To The Rescue

SMART is an acronym that means: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

• Specific: Clear and well-defined.

• Measurable: Can be tracked and measured.

• Achievable: Realistic and attainable.

• Relevant: Important and aligned with broader goals.

• Time-bound: Has a deadline or time frame.

In our website use case, the SMART goal should have looked like this:

• Specific: SEO optimized Website in the company's brand on the specific domain bought by the freelancer, using analytics set by the freelancer while respecting EU law about cookies, running on his servers paid monthly by you, not included in the price paid for website. No hidden costs.

• Measurable: 3 pages.

• Achievable: Realistic price that makes sense to you and respects the deadline set by the freelancer for a specified scope.

• Relevant: Aligned with your marketing strategy and goal to get 1000 new potential clients to see the benefit of the product on the website and call you.

• Time-bound: Friday next week at 15:00 - Website live on the domain.

It may sound like an overkill, but this is the difference between the finished result you are happy with and a total disaster.

Try It For Yourself

You should set SMART goals not only for other people but also for yourself and your business.

When I started using them, it was a true game changer.

I transformed from a dreamer to a doer.

You may have heard about this concept already. What I want you to do is revisit SMART goals again.

Start with something simple that you can finish by the end of this week and give it a go.

No excuses.