What Are SMART Goals and How Can They Help You Make a Change?

Ok, you want to change something. Now what?

Setting a goal can be very helpful in getting you from point A to point B. Let's talk about how you can use the SMART* approach to set goals that actually help you get the outcomes you want. SMART is an acronym that you can use to support your goal setting.

S: Specific

What do I want to accomplish? Why do I want to accomplish this? Who/what will be involved in meeting this goal?

An example of a specific goal is: I want to pick up my grandkids without pain.

Goals are going to be much easier to achieve if you have a clear reason WHY you want to achieve them. I find goals that promote better function, ease and enjoyment of life are going to be easier to implement than a goal that is more arbitrary. Picking up your grandkids without pain is a great goal! It’s helpful to understand what you want to accomplish (no pain with this activity) and why you want to accomplish it (because picking up your grandkids brings you happiness but back pain hurts!). Who/what will be involved gives you the opportunity to have support with your goal. Do you need someone to help you get strong, give you tips on body mechanics, or offer support in another way?

M: Measurable

How much?

How many?

How will I know if I’ve achieved my goal?

We want your goal to be measurable. Things are constantly changing, and sometimes we won’t realize how much progress we’ve made toward a goal. So being able to measure the goal in some way can be really helpful. If we use the grandkids example, you might have a goal to be able to lift them five times. You’ll know that you’ve achieved your goal when you can lift them five times without pain during or after. Of course, these are your goals, so you get to decide how you’ll measure them.

A: Achievable

How realistic is this goal?

Are there other constraints that are limiting?

Most of us aren’t going to the Olympics anytime soon. Your goals should reflect something realistic for YOU. Lifting your grandkids five times without pain might be realistic. Throwing them up into the air and catching them might not. Are there things that are limiting you that make a goal unachievable? We all have limits and getting clear on what yours are will help you to know if a goal is achievable for you.

R: Relevant

Is the goal worthwhile?

Is it the right time?

Yes, picking up your grandkids without pain feels very worthwhile! You might explore if it is the right time to pursue the goal. For example, if you’ve had an acute back injury and need more medical care, this goal might need to take a back seat until you are healed.

T: Time bound

What can I do today?

What do I want to do in one month? Three months? Six?

Understanding where you are currently and making a roadmap helps you stay accountable, feel supported and gives you a clear plan and path forward.

Want help reaching a specific goal? Reach out, I’d love to support you!

*SMART goals were developed by George Doran, Arthur Miller and James Cunningham in their 1981 article “There’s a S.M.A.R.T. way to write management goals and objectives”