What Does SMART mean?

Setting goals can seem overwhelming to some of us. I find it is one of the biggest challenges for me as a coach (and personally, at times, too)! Those of you who have set goals probably received some tips for making them more specific. I try to use the common, SMART goal approach, because it is familiar and easy to remember. However, it is used in many avenues (business, health, etc) and it has to be adapted to YOUR focus. Here is a little overview that may help, and I am here to help, too!!

What Does SMART Mean?

*Specific/simple/sensible/significant

*Measurable/meaningful/motivating

*Achievable/agreed/attainable

*Relevant/reasonable/realistic and resourced/results-based

*Time bound/time-based/time or cost limited/timely/time-sensitive

I love this explanation, because you can mix and match how your PERSONAL goal fits, but it gives you a framework. Just ask yourself: ‘Is my goal __________?’ using each term listed. If you can say ‘yes’ to one of the adjectives listed with each letter of the acronym SMART, then you are good to go!! 

BTW, drinking more water is scientifically proven to contribute to healthy weight loss over time.  The benefits are HUGE overall, but this goal alone will not typically achieve a HUGE loss of weight for most of us, despite the great benefits. (I just want us to have realistic expectations 🙂 ). Drinking more water has a LONG list of benefits…. but, that’s a subject for another day….in the near future 🙂 

Keep in mind, a goal of ‘lose 10#s’ isn’t going to fit, you will have to break it down into BEHAVIORS or choices you make, incrementally, that LEAD TO losing 10#s. 

In this instance, an example goal could be: to ‘drink 1/2 my weight in ounces of water every day’.  

*For someone who drinks mainly water, they would focus on actually finding a way to MEASURE the water they drink and ascertain their success in reaching that goal, and how often in the course of a week or month. 

*For someone who currently DOESN’T drink only water, their goal might be to commit to drinking an attainable amount each day, increasing that amount each day/week until they achieve the ’standard’ goal of  close to ‘1/2 your weight in ounces’, in a particular time-frame. 

(Please keep in mind, there are many sources of hydration, so if you don’t drink ALL of those ounces, rest assured, you are probably close enough!) 

In both cases, we are looking for progress, not perfection.  When you CONSISTENTLY find yourself drinking that water, it is time to challenge yourself to additional or new goals! Drinking more water is probably the goal I encourage with 90% of new clients, that is how important, but also how well it works as a FIRST, SMART goal!! Achieving it creates a mindset of success, confidence and motivation to set additional goals.

In conclusion, remember to ask yourself, are your goals:

• Specific (simple, sensible, significant)
• Measurable (meaningful, motivating)
• Achievable (agreed, attainable)
• Relevant (reasonable, realistic and resourced, results-based)
• Time bound (time-based, time limited, time/cost limited, timely, time-sensitive)

If you don’t know where to start, or you have set some goals and are struggling to get them in motion, try starting with your water and see what happens!!

Reach out if I can help, or to let me know how you are doing with YOUR very SMART goals!!

Your Bff, Suzy