SMART Goals

When setting goals—especially those related to health‑behavior change—it is recommended that you follow the SMART Goal guidelines. The acronym SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time‑Bound.

Specific: Your goals should be specific, clearly stating what you want to accomplish and what you are working toward. When your goals are unclear or vague, it becomes difficult to direct your attention and effort. Being specific gives you a greater chance of success.

Measurable: When your goals are measurable, you can determine whether you are making progress and quantify how much progress you’ve made toward achieving them.

Attainable: Your goals should be realistic and achievable based on your own capabilities and needs.

Relevant: Your goals should be relevant to what you want to do or achieve. You should engage in activities that meaningfully support your progress toward your desired outcomes.

Time‑Bound: Your goals should include timelines so you can focus your efforts, reach objective milestones efficiently, and track your progress effectively.