At eight years old, Michael Phelps wrote down his goals. “I would like to make the Olympics.”
Beyonce kept a photograph of an Academy Award next to her treadmill.
Lady Gaga used to repeat a daily mantra to herself: “Music is my life. The fame is inside of me. I’m going to make a number-one record with number-one hits.”
Your goals may be as big and grand as the world’s biggest celebrities, athletes, and icons. Your goals may also look different, like getting a new job with better work-life balance. Or reading 52 books in 2025, making dinner at home more often, or making more meaningful connections and friendships.
Every big goal has to start somewhere.
And no matter how “big” your goal may be, chances are, it needs to be broken down into smaller, more measurable and actionable goals to be achieved.
That’s where SMART goals come in.
For any goal-getter, you’re no stranger to SMART goals. For the newbie looking to refresh their goal setting habits, SMART goals are a lynchpin to achieving success in your personal and professional life. However familiar you are with SMART goals, this article will help define what SMART goals look like. You’ll also learn how to convert your big goals into SMART goals—and what it means to find success through taking bite-sized goals, one step at a time.
What are SMART goals?
SMART goals are a proven framework for turning your ambitions into achievable milestones. This method emphasizes defining clear, actionable objectives, allowing you to stay focused and track progress effectively.
SMART is an acronym that stands for:
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Specific: Your goal should be clear and detailed. For instance, instead of saying, “Get in shape,” specify, “Walk 30 minutes every morning.”
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Measurable: Include criteria to track your progress. For example, aim to complete three workout sessions per week.
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Attainable: Set realistic yet challenging goals. If you're new to running, start with a mix of walking and jogging rather than targeting a marathon immediately.
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Relevant: Align goals with your values and priorities. If you enjoy creative activities, set a goal like painting once a week rather than something unrelated.
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Time-bound: Establish a deadline or timeframe. For example, “Lose 5 pounds in 8 weeks” gives a clear endpoint to work toward.
Do SMART goals work?
People who set goals are more successful, confident, and motivated. But without an action plan, a vague goal can quickly become an unfulfilled dream.
In short, yes.
By breaking your goals down into SMART goals, science tells us you’ll be better equipped to adapt learning and behavior changes. has science behind its effectiveness.
This study found that incorporating SMART goals into debriefing improved participants' ability to formulate actionable plans for learning and behavior change. Participants who engaged with SMART goals demonstrated better alignment between their goals and the intended learning outcomes, suggesting that this method is an effective tool for bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in educational settings.
According to insights from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), researchers and scientists leverage SMART goals to structure their work effectively. By setting precise objectives that can be measured and tracked, scientists improve their ability to monitor progress, adapt strategies, and ensure alignment with larger research aims.
How do I implement SMART goals into my day-to-day?
To effectively implement SMART goals, start by identifying a clear, specific objective that directly aligns with your broader ambitions or needs.
Break this goal down into measurable components, such as numerical targets or checkpoints, to track progress. Ensure that the goal is realistic and achievable within your current resources and constraints, balancing ambition with feasibility.
Relevance is critical. Your goal should reflect your priorities and contribute meaningfully to your personal or professional growth. Finally, set a firm deadline or timeline to create a sense of urgency and maintain focus.
Actionable tips for SMART goals
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Create a plan: Outline the steps needed to achieve your goal. This might include scheduling activities, identifying resources, or preparing backup plans for obstacles.
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Track progress: Regularly evaluate your achievements. Tools like planners or apps can provide a visual overview of how far you’ve come.
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Celebrate milestones: Recognize smaller victories along the way. Rewards keep you motivated and reinforce your efforts.
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Use your resources. Leverage tools to help hold you accountable, like this SMART goal worksheet. This worksheet is well-defined in the SMART goal-setting structure to help keep your thoughts (and your actions) organized.
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Stay flexible: Life happens, and adapting to changes ensures you don’t lose momentum. For example, if bad weather disrupts outdoor exercise, switch to an indoor workout routine.
Stay on top of your dreams with SMART goals
Ultimately, achieving your dreams isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the growth, discipline, and confidence you build throughout the journey.
With SMART goals, you can break down even the most ambitious dreams into manageable steps, empowering you to turn your vision into reality. Start small, stay consistent, and watch how your efforts compound into meaningful success.
As the saying goes, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” Make your plan SMART, and your dreams unstoppable.
Written by Madeline Miles
