SMART goals are a powerful way to set clear, effective, and achievable goals. The acronym SMART stands for:

✅ S – Specific

What exactly do you want to achieve?
A goal should be clear and well-defined, not vague or general.

• ❌ Vague: "I want to get in shape."
• ✅ Specific: "I want to lose 15 pounds by exercising and eating healthy."

✅ M – Measurable

How will you track your progress?
Include a way to measure success so you know when you've reached your goal.

• ❌ Not Measurable: "I want to save money."
• ✅ Measurable: "I want to save $1,000 in 3 months."

✅ A – Achievable

Is the goal realistic given your resources and constraints?
It should stretch you, but still be within reach.

• ❌ Too Extreme: "I'll lose 50 pounds in one month."
• ✅ Achievable: "I'll lose 1–2 pounds per week by changing my habits."

✅ R – Relevant

Does this goal matter to you and your bigger life vision?
It should align with your values, priorities, and personal mission.

• ❌ Irrelevant: "I want to learn to knit even though I hate crafts."
• ✅ Relevant: "I want to take a finance class because I want to become debt-free."

✅ T – Time-Bound

What's the deadline?
Having a time frame adds urgency and focus.

• ❌ No Deadline: "I'll write a book someday."
• ✅ Time-Bound: "I'll finish the first draft of my book by October 1st."

💡 Example of a SMART Goal:

"I will walk 30 minutes, five days a week, for the next two months to lose 8 pounds and improve my health."