SMART Breakdown
What does the "S" in SMART stand for?
Specific
Why is the goal “I’m going to be happier” not a SMART goal?
It is not specific or measurable
(True or false) Most people naturally happy all the time
False No, it takes intentional effort of your own daily habits, such as fostering strong social connections, practicing gratitude, exercising, and engaging in meaningful activities
What is one benefit of sharing your goals with others?
It increases accountability and support
“I will go to the gym twice a week for the next month.”
SMART — specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound
What does the "M" in SMART help you do?
Measure your progress
Why is “I will be happy one of these days” not effective?
It lacks a time-bound deadline
How can SMART goals support someone with depression or anxiety?
They provide structure and purpose that support mental wellness
What is an accountability partner?
Someone who helps you stay on track and celebrates progress with you
“I will be a more positive person.”
Not SMART — not specific or measurable
What is the purpose of the "Achievable" part of SMART goals?
To ensure your goal is realistic and attainable in the given timeframe
What’s wrong with the goal: “I will never feel anxious again”?
It’s not achievable or realistic
What kind of goals help make long-term goals more manageable?
Short-term goals
What question should you ask yourself before setting a goal to make it personal?
Why? — What’s my reason for this goal?
“I’ll never cry again after this week.”
Not SMART — not achievable
Why is "Relevant" important when writing a SMART goal?
Because the goal should align with your long-term vision and life priorities
Why is “I will type 120 wpm by January” a bad goal for mental health?
It’s not relevant to mental wellbeing
How can you use SMART goals to design your life.
By breaking long-term visions (5-10 years) into manageable, quarterly, and weekly plans, you can align daily actions with core values, track progress, and maintain focus on designing your desired future.
How do deadlines help when working on SMART goals?
They create urgency and help prioritize actions
“I will write in my journal every night for 10 minutes for the next 30 days.”
SMART — it meets all 5 criteria
Give an example of how a goal could be Time-Bound.
"I will walk 3 times a week for the next month"
Identify two SMART criteria that are missing from the goal: “I want to feel better.”
Specific and measurable — or more depending on how it's interpreted
What is an example or phrase of optimism?
"Even though I didn't get this job, I know I will find an even better opportunity soon".
"Every cloud has a silver lining".
Why is it important to use the supports you already have?
They can motivate, assist, and guide you during setbacks
“I’ll be successful someday.”
(Not SMART — vague and not time-bound)