SMARTER Goal Setting Program

Think about your previous experiences with goal setting. What worked? What didn't? What feelings did you associate with success and failure? Consider writing down your reflections in a journal.

“People without goals are not as successful as they hope to be.”

What are your deepest desires and aspirations? What do you truly want to achieve in life? Take some time to brainstorm and list your dreams, no matter how big or small. Think about associating your goals with meaningful rewards you will provide yourself when milestones are reached.

“Goals give us momentum to push through adversity we experience while chasing our dreams.”

Choose one of your dreams from Module 1 and re-write them using the SMART system. Use the provided template to ensure you cover all necessary details.

“The more specific you are, the easier it will be to quantify your results along the way.”

How will you track your progress? Define metrics and indicators to monitor your advancement towards each goal. Consider using a tracking spreadsheet or app.

“To make a goal measurable, we need to be able to see progress over time.”

Break down your goals into smaller, manageable action steps. Start each action step with a verb. Implement habit stacking by linking new actions to existing routines (e.g., after brushing your teeth, plan the next day's tasks).

“A goal is actionable when it is immediately clear what action needs to be taken to accomplish it.”

Does this goal align with your values, priorities, and current stage in life? Is it something you genuinely want to achieve? If not, revise or discard it.

“When you are setting goals, this is the pragmatic look at what you want to do.”

Assign specific deadlines to each goal and action step. Create a timeline to map your path to success. Use implementation intentions ('If X happens, then I will do Y') to overcome potential obstacles.

“You need to say when you will complete it. This way you will need to map your path to success.”

Schedule regular check-ins (weekly/monthly) to review your goals, track your progress, and make necessary adjustments. Consider discussing your progress with an accountability partner or in a community forum.

“We need to regularly evaluate our progress. ... I evaluate my goals every month and every week I read them.”

Plan rewards for reaching milestones and achieving your goals. Celebrate your successes to stay motivated. Frame your rewards as experiences rather than material possessions.

“Every goal and milestone needs a reward. We love getting something for a job well done.”

Take time each week to reflect on your progress towards your goals. Identify what worked well and what challenges you faced. Write down the areas in which you feel you came short of expectation, and apply self-compassion in this reflection.

“This helps me to remember what I am trying to do and makes sure I take action every week.”

Based on your reflection, make any necessary adjustments to your goals or action steps to ensure you stay on track. Also, spend time to review whether your goal may be unrealistic.