How to Make Goals the SMART Way (and Actually Achieve Them)

What Are SMART Goals?

SMART is an acronym that stands for:

• Specific

• Measurable

• Achievable

• Relevant

• Time-bound

It’s one of the simplest but most powerful ways to set and achieve meaningful goals.

Let’s see it in action by taking a common goal and making it SMART.

Step 1: The Starting Point

Vague Goal:

“I want to save money.”

Great thought — but too broad. Save how much? By when? For what? Let’s break it down.

Step 2: S = Specific

Ask yourself: What exactly am I saving for?

When you’re specific, your brain knows exactly what you're working toward.

Smarter Goal:

“I want to save for a family vacation.”

Now you have a clear purpose behind the goal — that’s step one.

Step 3: M = Measurable

Ask yourself: How will I know when I’ve reached this goal?

Adding numbers helps you track progress and stay motivated.

Smarter Goal:

“I want to save $2,000 for a family vacation.”

Now your goal is measurable. You’ll know exactly when you’ve reached the finish line.

Step 4: A = Achievable

Ask yourself: Is this goal realistic given my income and timeline?

Break it down into manageable steps so you don’t get overwhelmed.

Smarter Goal:

“I want to save $2,000 for a family vacation by setting aside $100 every two weeks.”

This gives you a plan you can stick to — not just a dream.

Step 5: R = Relevant

Ask yourself: Why is this goal important to me?

Goals that align with your values are easier to stay committed to.

Smarter Goal:

“I want to save $2,000 for a family vacation by setting aside $100 every two weeks, so we can enjoy quality time together without going into debt.”

Now your “why” is front and center — and that gives you powerful motivation to stay the course.

Step 6: T = Time-bound

Ask yourself: What’s my deadline?

A goal without a deadline can drag on forever. Set a clear timeline to create urgency.

Final SMART Goal:

“I want to save $2,000 for a family vacation by August 1st by setting aside $100 every two weeks, so we can enjoy quality time together without going into debt.”

This goal is now specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound — everything a SMART goal should be!

Why This Works

When you take the time to get clear with SMART goals:

• You know exactly what you're working toward

• You have a step-by-step plan

• You stay connected to your why

• You can track progress and adjust when needed

• You feel more motivated and in control

Use This Framework for Any Goal

You can apply this same SMART method to just about anything:

• Financial: “I will pay off $600 of credit card debt in 3 months by paying $50 weekly from my side hustle.”

• Health: “I will walk 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for the next 8 weeks to improve my energy and reduce stress.”

• Career: “I will complete an online Excel course by June 30th to improve my job skills.”

Pro Tip: Write It Down

Writing your goals down makes them real.
Put them on your wall, in your planner, or on your fridge. Studies show you’re 42% more likely to achieve a goal if you write it down.

 Want to go even further? Use a savings tracker, goal planner, or set calendar reminders to keep your goal in sight (and in mind).

Ready to Create Your Own SMART Goal?

 Try this free template: 👉 SMART Goal Worksheet with Examples.docx 

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