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Understanding SMART Goals

  • Writer: redeemedcps
    redeemedcps
  • Jan 3
  • 3 min read
Understanding goals and how to pick smart goals image for a blog.

Hey Redeemed family!


In the previous blog we talked about how to prepare for goal setting (click here to read the last blog) so in today's blog we are discussing what SMART goals are and how to pick them.


In this context a goal defined as "the end toward which effort is directed"(Merriam-Webster, n.d.). In other words it is something you are working toward on purpose or you wish to accomplish. Goals can be long-term or short-term and done correctly can yield results and impart change. As you can probably tell, not everything we want to achieve actually makes a good goal. If we consider the SMART goal setting strategy, goals must beSpecific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely. Thus, SMART goals will only work if there is an understanding of how to apply the strategy. You can't effectively apply a math equation you don't know how to use just like SMART goals will not be effective without proper application.


If this opening paragraph has peeked your interest and you would like to learn a bit more about SMART goals, keep reading.



SMART Goals: Definition and Criteria

The SMART goal strategy is a goal setting technique where you utilize the criteria outlined below to create a process to reach achievements or favourable outcomes.

SMART Goals Categories Breakdown: Specific Measurable Acheivable Realistic Time bound

Interestingly enough placed throughout the illustration above are the English interrogative words 'who, what, when, where, and how'. Notably, this line of questioning is necessary as it helps bring more clarity and realism to the goals.


SMART Goals: Categories

SMART goals were created to help the goal-setter tackle major (or minor) aims in an organized, focused, and effective manner typically in the some of following areas:

  • Personal, Professional, Mental, and Spiritual Improvement and Growth

  • Building Healthy Habits or Breaking Bad Ones

  • Fostering Relationships with Yourself and Others

  • Saving or Restoring Something

    example of goal categories are reduce stress, no toxic friends, go outside, lose the ego, stay active, eat healthy, plenty of sleep, and ask for help

SMART Goals: How to Pick Them


Consider every area of your life and relationships.

Look at your life, work, relationship, mental and spiritual health, physical health etc. and begin to think about what your needs are in those areas. As you write down your needs, categorize them in the sections we've outlined above (or create your own) and begin to organize them.


Working through each section, create a goal that encompansess the needs in the category.

Having too many goals will actually make the whole process overwhelming so look for a common theme among your needs or select the needs that work best together and consider your desired outcome, write a statement. Remember your goals should have some level of difficulty in it for it to actually challenge something.


Goals should ultimately lead you to develop good habits and break bad ones.

In order for goals to have long lasting impact they should be something that promotes some sort of gradual lifestyle changes. Remember, the whole point of setting these goals is to bring some sort of change or transformation that is long lasting so when picking goals ensure that they can stand the test of time. When a goal is achieved it should become a part of you. Don't see a goal as an achievement to stop once you have arrived but a new aspect of your lifestyle that has been developed.


Conclusion

Paper art showing callender, to do list, chart or graph all pointing to what progress looks like when setting goals

SMART goals will only be helpful if you know how to pick the right goals. If you want to learn  how to put this strategy into practice, we've got you covered with smart goals because another blog will be coming your way very soon.


If you have some personal challenges or just want some additional support through counseling or Psychotherapy  Click here to schedule your free consultation (Or call us directly at 905 904 1403) and take the first step toward clarity, healing, and wholeness.

Registered Psychotherapist offering counselling and psychotherapy

References


Corporate Finance Institute. (n.d.). SMART goal — Definition, guide, and importance of goal setting. Corporate Finance Institute. https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/management/smart-goal/


Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Goal. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved January 3, 2026, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goal


University of California Office of the President. (2017). How to write SMART goals (v.2) [PDF]. UCOP Local Human Resources. https://www.ucop.edu/local-human-resources/_files/performance-appraisal/How+to+write+SMART+Goals+v2.pdf 




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