2. A goal is a useful tool to help focus and guide
a person to the accomplishment of something.
It's also a useful tool for implementing
lifestyle changes.
What is a Goal?
3. The SMART Goal Method
If you want a SMART Goal, it must be:
1. Specific
2. Measurable
3. Attainable
4. Realistic
5. Time Sensitive
4. Specific
If a goal is specific, it provides structure
and focus because it is defined rather than
general.
Example: Getting more exercise, while
commendable is not a defined goal.
Walking 30 minutes every day is more
specific and can be measured.
5. Measurable
A measurable goal helps to motivate and provide
structure because it causes you to set up benchmarks
for progress.
This is when you start to think about the “how”:
How will I know I have accomplished my goal?
How can I measure my progress?
How will I determine my targets or benchmarks?
6. Attainable
●You need to find out what is most
important to you
●A goal that you are personally invested in
has more value and meaning
●This will fuel your determination and make
it more likely that you will follow through
7. Realistic
●A realistic goal is a goal you are able and
willing to work toward
●Example: Walking 5 miles a day may not be
realistic for someone who just started to exercise
●This goal could quickly and easily lead to
frustration and eventually cause the person to
abandon it
●Choosing a goal that is challenging and realistic
is the key
8. How Do I Do This?
To help you choose a realistic goal, ask yourself:
●Where am I now?
●Where do I want to be?
●Is this goal reachable in a healthful manner?
●Does this goal challenge me?
●Do I believe in my ability to accomplish this
goal?
●If not, how can I modify the goal?
9. Time Sensitive
A goal with a firm time schedule creates a
sense of urgency and reduces the tendency to
procrastinate
●Establish a specific date for completing the goal
●This will make it possible to measure progress,
maintain focus, and celebrate accomplishments
●Specific dates also provide an opportunity to review,
make adjustments, and re-establish the goal
●Make the time table practical and reasonable
10. So There You Have It...
Specific...Measurable...Attainable...
Realistic...Time Sensitive
