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Is SMART Still Smart? Rethinking Goals in the PMBOK® 7th Edition

Writer's picture: Bill HolmesBill Holmes

The SMART acronym has changed!
The SMART acronym has changed!

"Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible."– Tony Robbins


"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."– C.S. Lewis


The SMART framework has been a trusted tool in goal setting since its introduction by George T. Doran in 1981. Originally designed to bring clarity and focus to objectives, the acronym stood for Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic, and Time-related. Over time, this evolved into the version most of us know today: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—a practical and actionable framework for both personal and professional goal setting.


But change is inevitable, and the PMBOK® Guide – Seventh Edition introduced a new twist. In this updated version, SMART now stands for:

  • Specific

  • Meaningful

  • Achievable

  • Relevant

  • Timely


At first glance, the shift feels modern, emphasizing the “why” behind our goals. Meaningful encourages alignment with values and motivations, appealing to the human side of project management. However, this change raises some important questions:


1.      Where did Measurable go? One of the most critical aspects of effective goals is the ability to track progress and determine success. Without measurable criteria, goals risk becoming subjective and harder to manage. In a field like project management, where metrics drive decision-making, does removing this pillar weaken the framework?


2.      Is Meaningful redundant with Relevant? Both terms emphasize alignment—Meaningful with personal values and Relevant with organizational priorities. While they serve slightly different purposes, their overlap might not justify the exclusion of Measurable, which brought clear, actionable rigor to SMART goals.


3.      What does this mean for project management? The update seems to reflect a shift toward prioritizing motivation and purpose in goal setting. This aligns with broader trends emphasizing emotional intelligence and people-first approaches. But is this a step forward or a move away from the actionable, results-driven principles that made SMART so effective?


A Word of Caution for PMP Test Takers


Since this is a new version of SMART, and one that can be difficult to find unless you go directly to the PMBOK® Guide – Seventh Edition, it’s essential for PMP exam candidates to be aware of this change. Interestingly, this updated definition has not been consistently reflected across other PMI resources, which might lead to confusion. Staying informed about these subtle shifts can make a big difference in your preparation.


My Perspective


While I appreciate the intention behind Meaningful, the absence of Measurable feels like a missed opportunity to strike a balance between inspiration and accountability. Perhaps a hybrid concept—Meaningfully Measurable—could bridge the gap, ensuring goals are both motivating and actionable. But that changes the acronym.


What do you think? Does this change make SMART goals more adaptable to modern project management, or does it dilute their effectiveness? Are we losing something essential by moving away from measurable outcomes?


Let’s discuss!


Coda


Why is it that thriving organizations always seem to save money at their employees' expense? Two people I know recently had their performance reviews, and both walked away completely stunned by the outcome. They received glowing feedback—top marks all around—but when it came to salary increases, they were deeply disappointed.


Here’s the kicker: both had been attending meeting after meeting where leadership celebrated how well the company was performing—best years ever, record profits, the works. But when it came time to share that success through pay raises? Crickets. No meaningful increase. Now, both of them are dusting off their résumés and searching for new opportunities.


Well done, management—way to motivate and retain your top talent!


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