800-930-0803

Using S.M.A.R.T Goals to Headlight Your Dreams


For most of us, it’s frustrating when a goal we have set for ourselves does not come to fruition. This is especially true if you tried really hard to accomplish that goal, whether it was to lose weight, exercise more, or quit a bad habit.

We’re always comparing ourselves with others, and in our culture of sports heroes, social media influencers, and pop stars, it can be very hard to accept personal failure. While it’s hard not to compare ourselves with others, we should set realistic goals instead of aiming too high. This does not mean that you have to settle for less exceptional goals, just that you have to be realistic and plan the implementation of them carefully.

Have you ever taken the time to look at the goals that you have set for yourself? While you may tell yourself that you set really big goals for yourself so that you will work harder to reach them, this way of thinking can be detrimental to your mental health and prevent you from achieving your goals at all.

See if your goals fit within the SMART goal-planning framework. By using the SMART goals formula for your current and future achievements, you’ll be better able to work toward your goals by breaking them down into smaller, more attainable steps. Here is what the acronym SMART stands for:

(S) Specific 

When setting a goal for yourself, take the necessary time to see the bigger picture in terms of what you want to achieve. Ask yourself why you are setting the goal and figure out what obstacles you may face along the way toward achieving it. It’s also crucial to give yourself a specific timeline for your goal. Take a moment and visualize where you want to be in a week, a month, six months, and a year in relation to achieving your goal. Create a vision board as a tool to keep you motivated and working towards your specific goals. Look at it every day.

(M) Measurable

When you set measurable goals, it’s easier to accomplish them. Ask yourself how you will determine if you’ve achieved your goal. This can be a very personal metric, something only you need to understand. It’s also a good idea to set goals along the way of completing the bigger task at hand so that you can measure your success during the process and see how close or far you are from reaching your bigger goal.

(A) Attainable

Everybody is different. While it’s easy to be influenced by professional sports, pop culture, social media, and TV, it’s important to remember that, when setting goals for ourselves, we need to have realistic expectations. This means that we might not be as good as someone else at everything we try — no matter how hard we work. However, if a goal is important to you, ask yourself if you have the tools and skills you need to achieve it. If you find that you do not, you might have to set a subset of goals for yourself to attain them.

(R) Realistic 

Make sure that your goals are realistic — and relevant — to your life. Understanding your abilities when setting goals will help you figure out if you have what it will take to achieve them. For example, will you have the time to accomplish your intended goal? Do you have the physical capacity? If you set the net too wide in the past, narrow your focus this time. If your goals seem too large, craft a smaller version and leave the rest on your timeline for later. Setting realistic goals will not only help you achieve them, but they will also allow you to enjoy the journey.

(T) Time-Bound

Giving ourselves the time that we need to achieve our goals is harder than it sounds. We live in a world where everyone wants everything immediately. However, goals do not work like that. It takes time, patience, and an overall understanding of the self to achieve our goals. With this in mind, it’s important to set a specific timeframe in which you will achieve your goal. This will not only make it easier for you to track your progress but will also provide a guide for you along the way. As yourself how long it will realistically take for you to achieve your goal.

By implementing the SMART goal-setting strategy into your life, you will be better equipped to achieve your goals and make new ones. You will also have a clearer picture of how to achieve your goals and prevent frustration when you don’t.

Setting attainable and realistic goals can be very difficult. In a world that tells us to set big goals and aim for the moon, it is easy to get lost and discouraged along the way. Although we can get frustrated when we don’t accomplish what we set out to do, this frustration and disappointment can be prevented. Start by setting smaller, more achievable goals for yourself. Break bigger goals into steps and note your progression. Use the SMART goal-setting formula and give yourself the time and grace to get where you want to be. Instead of being disappointed in yourself for not reaching a large goal, be proud of yourself as you attempt to reach small goals along the way. At Headlight, we offer a variety of services, including overall wellness support and anxiety treatment. To find out how we can help you or a loved one, call Headlight today at 866-932-1767.

More than 50% of Americans struggle with mental health.

Headlight is now collaborating with health plans and companies to make therapy more accessible and affordable. Speak to a Care Coordinator today.