SMART Goals
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      2. SMART Goals

      What are SMART Goals?

      The SMART in SMART Goals is an acronym that is used as a framework to help set strategic goals. SMART stands for:

      Specific

      Measurable

      Attainable

      Relevant

      Timebound

      SMART goals are the short-term goals, or action steps, you will take to help you reach your long-term goal. Each component of a SMART goal is helpful for different reasons. Let’s go through them one by one now.

      • Specific: This part of the goal states exactly what you want to accomplish. This clarity can help make it easier to achieve your goal! For example, instead of “I will exercise more”, state exactly how or what you will do to exercise more (e.g. walk, run, swim, etc.).

      • Measurable: When your goal has a measurable component, you can more easily monitor your progress. This allows you to know if you’re on the right track or need to make adjustments. A few examples include, “walk 15 mins 3 days a week”, “reduce soda intake from 16 ounces to 12 ounces a day”, or “eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily”.

      • Attainable: Ensuring your goal is attainable will help you set a goal that pushes you to make some changes without overwhelming you. When considering what is attainable, you should always consider safety first. You’ll also want to take other things into consideration, for instance, your starting point and any barriers you might face when trying to complete this goal. It’s also helpful to consider anything that you already have in place, like a support system, that might make your goal easier to accomplish.

      • Relevant: Goals that are relevant tie back to your “why” that we discussed just a few weeks ago. Remember when we know “why” we want to do something it can help us to stay motivated!

      • Timebound: The timebound component of your goal helps with accountability- this is the date you want to accomplish your goal, or check in on your progress towards your goal. For example, 1 month.

      Consider thinking about an area of your life where you would like to set a SMART Goal. You can also check out our other articles for helpful tips on how to set and utilize SMART Goals!