Getting SMART with Setting Goals
Getting SMART with Setting Goals
Emma Feitshans, AMFT
Setting goals, an undertaking often strategically pushed off until the New Year, can be a daunting task for many individuals. Where to start? How to start? When to start? These questions create a barrier at times and may even result in full on procrastination or inaction. For some people, setting the goal becomes more of a task than actually completing what they have set out to do. That’s where SMART goals can help - an easy acronym to ensure that you are setting yourself up for success.
SMART stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-bound.
Specific: Your goals should be specific and clear. This way you know exactly what you are aiming to achieve and can avoid being overwhelmed. Think about the 5 “W” questions (who, what, when, where, why) to help get started.
Measurable: Using a measurable goal helps you track your progress and can help you stay motivated. Seeing how long you have stuck to something or how far you have come will help you continue and see it through.
Attainable: It is important to set goals that we know are realistic and appropriate. Of course you want to stretch and challenge yourself, but it should always remain possible.
Relevant: This is a time when you reflect on if this goal is something that matters to you and if it is in alignment with other goals and aspirations you have for yourself.
Time-Bound: Set a target date for your goals. This will help you make sure that your goal is not pushed aside by day to day tasks and can stay manageable amongst your other daily duties.
Let’'s try an example: Paul is having a hard time keeping track of his homework assignments. He puts his loose papers in his backpack and hasn’t been writing his assignments down. When he comes home, he forgets about some of his work and then gets zeros for the missing assignments. Paul wants to improve his grades but doesn’t know where to start.
Specific: I will write my assignments down in my planner so that I know what homework I have for each day of the week.
Measurable: My goal is to minimize my missing assignments.
Attainable: I know my classes and teachers expectations and I can do the work.
Relevant: I want to get better grades.
Time-bound: I want to be more organized with my assignments by the end of the fall semester.
Setting SMART goals is an effective way to provide you with clear goals, increase motivation, and set yourself up for success. It is a memorable acronym that can be used with any goal, anytime, and anywhere. When you think SMART, meeting those goals will start!
Need more help with setting goals? Connect with one of our therapists.