SMART goal example

On this page, you will see an example of a SMART goal. We will work together on the goal:
I want to feel less isolated as this makes me feel alone, anxious and unhappy.
Click on one of the letters above see how you can write this as a SMART goal.
Goal:
I want to feel less isolated as this makes me feel alone, anxious and unhappy.
Make it specific
For example, what kinds of things don’t you do that you want to do? What would you like to change or set as a goal?
Rather than ‘I want to feel less isolated’, focus on something specific, such as joining a group.
I will join my local bookclub.
Goal:
I will join my local bookclub.
Make it measurable
It is a very positive feeling to know you have achieved something, so it is important to set a goal you know you have achieved by making it measurable.
For example, you can make the goal above more measurable by committing to attending meetings. By joining a local bookclub, you could commit to the following:
Goal - ‘I will join and attend all meetings of my local bookclub.’
Goal:
‘I will join and attend all meetings of my local bookclub.’
Make it attainable
It is important your goal is possible for you to achieve: be realistic. It is OK to push yourself a bit but try not to take on too much too soon.
If your goal is quite big or difficult, such as ‘I will attend all local bookclubs this year,’ you can identify short term goals to help you achieve your bigger goals. Think: ‘Is this realistic and attainable?’ ‘Is this too easy or hard?’ It is helpful to regularly review your goals. Instead, you could say:
Goal - ‘I will join and attend four meetings of my local bookclub.’
It is best to focus on a goal that is relevant and of value to you. We always have more motivation to complete something that we believe is important.
This will be very individual. Your goal could focus on a number of different areas of your life. It could help you achieve things that make your life more pleasurable, such as reading, or focus on practical issues such as household tasks.
Think about the problems you identified. Is there an area of life you would like to focus on?
Goal:
‘I will join and attend four meetings of my local bookclub.’
Make it time–bound.
It is useful to set time limits around your goal. This helps you focus on achieving your goals and makes it less likely you will put it off.
For example, set goals for ‘tomorrow’, ‘on Saturday morning I will…’, or within a certain time period. Instead, you could say:
Goal - ‘I will join and attend four meetings of my local bookclub
within the next two months.’