Specific
What does the S in SMART stand for?
Specific
What does the M in SMART stand for?
Measurable
What does the A in SMART stand for?
Achievable (or Attainable)
What does the R in SMART stand for?
Relevant
What does the T in SMART stand for?
Time-bound
Which goal is more specific: “Feel better” or “Practice deep breathing after breakfast '?
Practice deep breathing after breakfast
Which is measurable: “Exercise more” or “Walk three days per week”?
Walk three days per week
Why should a goal be realistic for a person’s current situation?
So the steps are manageable, and progress is possible.
A client wants better sleep. Is setting a consistent bedtime relevant to that goal?
Yes, it directly supports the desired outcome.
Which goal has a deadline: “Apply for jobs someday” or “Apply for two jobs by
Friday”?
Apply for two jobs by Friday
A client says, “I want to get healthier.” What detail could make this goal specific?
Name an action, such as walking after dinner.
A client wants to improve sleep. Name one way to measure progress.
Track bedtime, hours slept, or nights following a routine.
Someone new to exercise plans to run 10 miles daily. What is a more achievable starting goal?
Walk for 10-15 minutes three times per week
What question helps check whether a goal is relevant?
Why does this goal matter to me or my priorities?
What time detail is missing from “I will journal three times”?
A timeframe, such as three times this week.
What question helps make a goal specific: “How much?” or “What exactly will I do?”
What exactly will I do?
What could a client count to measure progress toward finding a job?
Number of applications submitted or interviews attended.
What is one thing to consider when deciding if a goal is achievable?
Available time, energy, resources, skills, or support
A client values reconnecting with family. Which goal is more relevant: calling a relative weekly or buying new shoes?
Calling a relative weekly
Rewrite “I want to improve my sleep routine” with a clear timeframe.
For the next two weeks, I will go to bed by 10:30 p.m. on weekdays.
Rewrite “I want to manage stress” as a specific action.
I will practice a five-minute breathing exercise after work.
Rewrite “I will use coping skills more often” so progress can be measured.
I will practice a coping skill for 10 minutes on four days each week.
A client has low energy and wants to clean their entire home tonight. Suggest an achievable first step.
Tidy one small area for 10 minutes today.
A client wants to reduce stress but chooses a goal that adds overwhelming commitments. How could they improve its relevance?
Choose a manageable action that directly supports stress reduction and their priorities.
A client wants to attend a support group. Give a time-bound version of that goal.
I will attend one support group meeting by the end of next week.