Setting SMART goals can help you turn your ideas into clear, achievable plans. In this section, we will explore what SMART stands for and how each part of the process can help you create goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. Using SMART goals can help you stay focused, track your progress, and work toward success with confidence.
Questions & Answers for Better Goal-Setting
Banish the feeling of failure and stay motivated through clear concise goal setting.
What does SMART stand for?
YOU CANNOT FAIL IN GENERAL
Understanding exactly what you are trying to achieve and why you want to achieve it is essential, and it's not as easy to establish as you might think! Try to set a specific goal, rather than a vague one. *This year, I want to get healthier* is not a goal. Not yet!
SUCCESS IS A NUMBERS GAME
Many of us feel generally like we are not succeeding. By setting goals that you can count, you can clearly and logically see whether or not your goals are being met. If we take the goal to *get healthier* and make it *This month, I will go to the gym twice a week,* then you either go twice a week, or you don't!
NOT TOO HARD; NOT TOO EASY
It can be very demotivating to aim beyond your means or abilities. Conversely, it can give you false pride to set the bar too low. So, choose something challenging, but not too challenging, especially when setting long-term goals
MEANINGFUL GOALS GET DONE
Many of us have too many goals in mind, and it can be paralyzing. This happens to everyone from time to time and it is completely normal. This step helps you to prioritize your goals, and tackle the most important ones first.
DON'T MOVE THE FINISH LINE
This is similar to the considerations about measuring, but time-binding really means giving yourself a hard-and-fast end to all your hard work. You can look forward to that date on more difficult days of the process, and prepare rewards for yourself. So put an X on the calendar and give yourself a light at the end of the tunnel!
Questions to ask yourself:
Use the questions below to help you reflect on each part of the SMART goal-setting process. Asking yourself these questions can help you create realistic goals, identify the support and resources you need, and develop a clear plan with actionable steps.
S: Specific
M: Measurable
A: Attainable
R: Relevant
T: Time-bound
Need More Help?
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You are done. Great job!