How to Set and Achieve SMART Goals

We’ve all set goals at some point—whether it’s losing weight, starting a side hustle, or learning something new. But let’s be honest: how many of those goals do we actually follow through on? For me, it used to be a cycle—excited one day, distracted the next. That changed when I discovered the SMART Goals framework. It's not just another productivity buzzword—it really helps you get specific, stay realistic, and actually see progress.

In this article, I’ll break down how to set SMART goals, why they work, and how to stay motivated, using real-life examples and practical advice.




What Are SMART Goals?

SMART is an acronym that stands for:

Specific

Measurable

Achievable

Relevant

Time-bound


Each part forces you to think clearly about what you want and how you’ll get there. Let’s go through each one.




1. Specific – Get Clear on What You Want

Your goal should answer what, why, and how.

Bad Goal: “I want to get fit.”
Better Goal: “I want to run 3km every morning to improve my stamina.”

When I started eating healthier, I didn’t just say “I’ll eat better.” I said, “I’ll cook three home meals a week using fresh vegetables like spinach, carrots, and lentils.” That helped me stay focused and actually enjoy the process.



2. Measurable – Track Your Progress

You need something to measure so you’ll know if you're getting closer to your goal.

Example: Instead of “Read more books,” try “Read 12 books this year—one each month.”

I once tracked my sleep using a simple notebook, just noting what time I slept and woke up. That small act of tracking made me more aware and improved my sleep routine in a week.




3. Achievable – Keep It Realistic

It’s great to dream big, but starting with something realistic builds momentum.

If you haven’t worked out in a year, don’t aim for an intense 2-hour gym routine five times a week. Try 20 minutes at home for the first week. Small wins build trust in yourself.

This reminds me of when I wanted to switch to a plant-based diet. I didn’t cut everything out at once. I started by replacing one meal with vegetables and legumes. That small change turned into a habit.




4. Relevant – Align Goals with Your Life

Your goal should matter to you, not just sound impressive to others.

Ask yourself:

Does this goal fit with where I want to be in life?

Is this something I truly care about?


When I tried to learn coding just because it was trending, I gave up after a week. But when I focused on writing (something I loved), I stayed consistent for months and even published content I was proud of.




5. Time-Bound – Set a Deadline

Deadlines create urgency.

Example: “Launch my blog by September 15th.”
Not “Launch a blog someday.”

Even with small goals like “organizing the kitchen,” I find that saying, “I’ll finish it by Saturday evening” helps me stop procrastinating.




Bonus Tips to Stick With Your SMART Goals

✅ Write Them Down

There’s power in putting goals on paper. It makes them feel real.

✅ Share With Someone

Accountability helps. I told a friend about my goal to do yoga three times a week—and just knowing she might ask about it kept me on track.

✅ Celebrate Small Wins

Don’t wait until the big goal is done. Celebrate little steps. Reward yourself with something meaningful—like a break, a good book, or just a deep breath and a smile.




Final Thoughts

Setting goals can be exciting—but achieving them is empowering. SMART goals offer structure without being rigid. They let you be honest with yourself and realistic about your journey.

Start small. Be kind to yourself. And remember: progress, not perfection.

Whether it’s building better habits, growing your career, or simply adding more vegetables to your plate (yes, I’ll always promote that), a SMART approach makes it doable.