3. Achievable
Your goal also needs to be realistic and attainable to be successful. While it should be challenging, it should also be achievable given your resources and time. Assess your current limitations, such as your schedule, workload, and other commitments, and think about how you can overcome these challenges.
Example: Make sure you have the time to commit to three workout sessions a week and check if your budget allows for a gym membership or if there are free community activities available.
4. Relevant
Relevance refers to focusing on something that makes sense with the broader business goals (for professionals) or personal growth aspirations (for personal goals). A relevant goal should align with other goals, and it should be timed appropriately in your life or career.
Example: “Joining a gym and improving my health are relevant to my long-term goal of running a marathon.”
5. Time-bound
Every goal needs a target date, so that you have a deadline to focus on and something to work toward. This part of the SMART goal criteria helps to prevent everyday tasks from taking priority over your longer-term goals.
Example: “I will lose 15 pounds in the next three months, checking my progress with weekly weigh-ins and adjusting my diet and exercise plan as needed.”