Working toward something with a clear goal in mind will help you get there faster. SMART is an acronym to use to help you create effective goals.

Specific

Make sure your goal is detailed, direct, and narrow. This will help for efficient planning. Think about what you want to accomplish, and why it is important to you.

Measurable

It’s important that your goal is measurable so that you can track your progress. This will help you stay motivated and meet deadlines. Think how much, how many, or how will you know when it is accomplished.

Attainable

You want to make sure you have the tools and resources to reach this goal. This should stretch your abilities or take you outside your comfort zone, but should still be possible to achieve.

Relevant

This goal has to matter to you and be meaningful to your life and align with other goals you have. Is this goal worthwhile? Is this the right time?

Time-Based

Every goal needs a target date so that you have a deadline to focus on and something to work towards. What can you accomplish in 6 months from now? 6 weeks? What can I do today?

Example

I want to lose 5 lbs in one month by coming to classes 4 days per week.

This goal is specific on what I’d like to accomplish. It is measurable by weight on a scale and I can track progress daily/ weekly. It is a realistic amount of weight that can be lost in that time frame. This goal is relevant to my current situation and I am physically active and able to attend classes. There is a timeline and end date to focus on and reach for.