Today, we are going to focus on SMART goals. I get asked a lot about how I accomplish so many big tasks and still have time to have fun while doing it. When I am thinking of goals I would like to accomplish, I like to use this formula in order to make my goals work for me! The SMART method helps push you further, gives you a sense of direction, and helps you organize and reach your goals.

What does SMART stand for? 

Specific: What exactly are you trying to accomplish? Who, What, Where.

Measurable: How will I know when my goal is accomplished? What part of my goal can be measured?

Achievable: Is your goal attainable? You weigh the benefits from the risks and drawbacks. Can you pursue this without undervaluing your current obligations? Can you realistically accomplish this goal? Don’t set yourself up for failure.

Relevant:  How is this goal significant to your goals in life?

Time-Bound: When will you accomplish this goal? Make sure you have a specific day in mind.

Let’s try turning a regular goal into a smart goal.

I want to run a marathon.

Specific: Who=I What= run a marathon Where = Ogden

Measurable: 26.2 miles

Achievable: This goal may not be attainable for everyone but it is for me. I have run many half marathons and I am following a training schedule.

Relevant: I want to live a healthy life so this falls into that category.

Time-Bound: The marathon is on May 18^th so it will be accomplished by then.

Now we’ve turned a regular goal into a SMART goal. 

I will follow my training schedule for nine weeks prior to running the Ogden marathon on May 18th. I have run multiple half marathons prior to my training weeks.

Let’s do another one.

I want to travel to Europe next year. 

Specific: Who: Shane and I. What: Travel. Where: Europe (Ireland is priority)

Measurable: Did we go or not? Did we plan it or not?

Achievable: We will save up $200 each month this year and book our flights when they are the cheapest. We will also book our accommodations during different times so that it isn’t one big payment.

Relevant: Shane and I have a goal to have a big trip out of the country at least every two years.

Time-Bound: We want to travel during the summer so our goal will be completed by August 31st. . 

Now we’ve turned a regular goal into a SMART goal. 

We will save up $200 each month for the year prior to and leading up to our trip (15 months total to reach $3,000), we will book a flight to Europe as soon as we see one drop below $500 during summer of 2022, after our flight is booked we will continue to make accommodations for our time in Europe, we have done this before and we will complete this by August 31, 2022. 

What is something you would like to work towards? It can be personal or work related. It can be anything! I have used these for school, work, traveling, fitness, etc. If you can think of any type of goal that you would like to achieve, it can be turned into a SMART goal. 

Did you fail at achieving your SMART goal? Don’t get down on yourself if you don’t achieve your goal. Just Remember: Evaluation: What didn’t work? Revision: How can we make it work next time? Action: Try again.  

I love using SMART goals to help me accomplish my goals. Have you used them before? What did you think? If you loved today’s post please subscribe below! Thanks for reading.