What is a SMART goal?
SMART goals are used as a foundation for setting and achieving your goals effectively! SMART is an acronym. It stands for:
Specific: a clear definition of what you want to accomplish
Measurable: establish some ways to measure progress to be able to determine when the goal has been achieved.
Attainable: make sure the goal is realistic given your resources and circumstances.
Relevant: make sure this goal is meaningful for you and fits into your other goals and overall objectives in life!
Time-bound: Give yourself a deadline to have this goal completed by so that there is some urgency and focus.
A common goal that many people have is weight loss. Using a SMART goal to outline your weight loss goal is super easy and can help you make more progress! Here is an example:
Specific: I want to lose 15 pounds.
Measurable: I will measure my progress by weighing myself every Sunday morning.
Attainable: This goal is attainable and realistic because I have the time to go to the gym 5 days a week and meal prep healthy meals. I will lose 1-2 lbs per week, because this is a healthy and sustainable amount for me.
Relevant: I want to lose weight so that I can feel better and more energized, and fit into my favorite pants that I haven’t been able to button.
Time-bound: I will achieve this goal in 3 months from today.
Another common goal that people have is to get more sleep every night. Here is an example of what a SMART goal might look like for increased sleep:
Specific: I want to sleep for at least 8 hours every night.
Measurable: I will measure my progress with this goal by using the “sleep” feature on my phone, setting a bedtime, and setting an alarm for the morning.
Attainable: This goal is attainable because I have enough time to get enough sleep, but I stay up scrolling through my phone instead of going to bed. I will set screen time limits on my phone and I will start a bedtime routine, so when my phone says it is time to wind down, I will start this routine.
Relevant: I want to achieve this goal so that I can feel more energized and be in a better mood throughout the day.
Time-bound: I will start this goal tonight and maintain it for the next month before reevaluating my progress and routine.
Following the SMART goal standard is a great way to increase success with completing your goals! Being specific when making a new goal is essential to making sure you can hold yourself accountable. Try to follow these guidelines the next time you have a health goal, or any goal, that you want to reach. Simply replace the definitions of this acronym to make your own smart goal.