Developing Clear and Effective Goals

Setting SMART goals is the key to achieving greatness. #GoalSetting #SMARTGoals #PersonalGrowth #AchievementUnlocked #PlanForSuccess #CalendarGoals #MotivationMonday

Have you ever made a goal only to find yourself discouraged when that goal isn't reached? Too many times I have had people come to me and share feelings of hopelessness because they continue to fail reaching goals they have set. Setting goals without some basic knowledge of effective goal structure and direction can lead to continued failure at reaching goals. How can I develop a goal that is likely to provide effective results you might be wondering. Well, let me share with you a very simple acronym and structure that I use personally and in therapy sessions to support my my clients that has proven to be highly effective. The acronym is SMART which stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable/Achievable, Relevant, and Timely.

Specific
When developing a goal, it is important for that goal to be defined in detail without unclear
language. What is it you want to accomplish? Take time to identify the 5 W's. Identify who is involved in
the goal. Where the goal will take place. Why the goal is being set into place. What the purpose and
reason is for the goal. Identify which requirements are to be tied to the goal.

Measurable
Being able to put a measurement on a goal is essential so you can identify when the goal is
accomplished. For example, being able to identify how much and how many of something can set a
measurement to identify progress towards the goal. Tracking progress and measuring an outcome can
allow for you to take steps in progress of the goal or know if you are getting off track.

Attainable/Achievable
For a goal to be attainable it is important to question if the goal can realistically be accomplished.
How can the goal be accomplished? Making sure the goal is not out of reach is the key to this step.

Relevant
Consider if the goal is worth your time and effort. Is the goal going to meet your needs? If you
have set in place other goals, does this goal work along with those goals? Consider short term and long
term plans and if the goal will conflict or work with those plans.

Timely
Identifying a time limit to goal completion is an additional area to determine. When will you
complete this goal? Will it be a day, a month, a year? This step supports urgency if needed and prompts
better time management.
Many times, it isn't a lack of willpower or determination, but instead a lack of clinical structure to
the goal itself leading to inability to reach a goal. Using the SMART goals structure helps set clear
objectives without being confusing or vague. It's straightforward and easy to use after a little practice.
Sometimes having professional support is helpful to guide through setting goals with this framework the
first couple times or when working towards several goals at once. Whether it is a Monday, approaching a
New Year, a birthday, or any regular day, setting goals is important to better self and your life around you.
Happy goal setting!

By Jessica Whittington, LCSW

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