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JANUARY 2023

Get SMART about your goals

Who hasn’t made a New Year’s resolution only to see it fizzle out by February? Don’t blame your lack of willpower. (Trust us, it’s not that!) If you want to achieve an important goal, make small, specific changes that can lead to a big change. You can do it if you set SMART goals.

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What are SMART goals?

The S.M.A.R.T process was developed to help managers set achievable management goals and objectives. Today the SMART process is everywhere, offering useful guidelines for anybody who wants to make a big change in their lives.

Specific

Include details. Setting a goal to lose 15 pounds works better than “lose weight.”

Measurable

Track your progress as you work toward your goal. Try using a journal or an app 3 or more times per week.

Achievable

Make sure your goals are realistic. Retiring at age 30 is not very realistic. Saving an extra $100 a month might be achievable.

Results-oriented

Focus on what you’re trying to accomplish. But if you encounter obstacles, such as family obligations, adjust as necessary.

Time-bound

Set a realistic amount of time to achieve your goal. Celebrate as you check off smaller goals along the way, such as making a substantial credit card payment.

Put SMART to work in your life

Now that you know what SMART goals are, here are some examples of how you can use them to achieve your well-being goals.

Strengthen family bonds

Goal: I will work on nurturing and strengthening my family ties.  

SMART breakdown

• Specific: I will plan two family activities every week. 
• Measurable: I’ll keep track of my ideas in a notebook, then write them on our family calendar. 
• Achievable: Our family has consistently done Taco Tuesdays and trips to the movies every month; therefore, scheduling family activities is doable. 
• Results-oriented: These activities will play a big part in fostering and deepening the bonds among all family members. 
• Time-bound: My goal is to put a deposit on a family vacation in six months for a trip we will take next summer.

Live within a budget

Goal: I will create a budget of $3,450 every month. 

SMART breakdown

• Specific: I will create a budget of $3,450 every month and spend $300 less.  
• Measurable: I’ll keep a record of every expense and ensure that I spend less than my budget of $3,450.
• Achievable: My average monthly spending is $3,250; therefore, I can try my best to stay within the budget if I don’t use my credit cards.  
• Results-oriented: Keeping my expenses within a budget of $3,450 will prevent me from splurging on items spurred by impulse buying. It will also help me save more and make me more responsible.
• Time-bound: The goal is to develop a consistent habit of living within a budget of $3,450 every month throughout this year.

Get regular exercise

Goal: I will consistently work out a minimum of 20 minutes per day, three days a week by summer.  

SMART breakdown

• Specific: I will do low-impact exercises for 20 minutes per day, three days a week.
• Measurable: I will measure my progress using a fitness tracker and calendar, making sure I complete my 20-minute workouts. 
• Achievable: Scheduling workouts for Monday, Wednesday and Friday is manageable for me in the long term. Also, keeping it at 20 minutes will help build up the intensity and allow me enough time to benefit from the cardio, while being short enough to not impact my other routine tasks. 
• Results-oriented: Working out for 20 minutes three days a week will give me the amazing benefit of moving from low-impact to high-intensity workouts while being manageable enough to sustain for the long term.
• Time-bound: I will consistently work out a minimum of 20 minutes per day, three days a week by July 15. 

Sources: LifeHack. How to write SMART goals (with SMART goals templates).
LifeHack. 20 personal SMART goals to improve your life.

If you’d like to learn more about Costco benefits and resources that can help you achieve your SMART goals, the following resources can help.