SMART Goals
Find the Best Therapist in Chicago for Setting and Achieving SMART Goals
SMART goals are structured goals we set for ourselves. These kinds of goals are often talked about at work during performance reviews and evaluations. However, SMART goals can be helpful in therapy and mental health. SMART is an acronym that stands for:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time-bound
How are SMART Goals Helpful?
SMART goals are helpful for several reasons. Some of these reasons are:
- They help us identify solutions or steps needed to achieve goals.
- When we break things down, they become less overwhelming and more manageable for us.
- They can help us prioritize our responsibilities.
- They can increase our confidence and motivation in completing goals
Specific
Specificity with SMART goals refers to how specific the goal is. When goals are not specific, it becomes difficult to feel motivated or confident in completing them. For example, someone might say they want to feel better about themselves. While this is a nice goal, it is not specific enough. Instead, try a goal like: “I want to speak and think about myself more kindly.
Measurable
Measurement of a SMART goal refers to the barometer we are using to record and track progress. When a goal is not measurable, it is hard to gauge where we started and how much progress we have made toward it. For example, someone might say they want to incorporate more physical activity in their week. This is not measurable because we don’t know what “more” means. Instead, try saying something like: “I would like to work out three times a week for at least 30 minutes.”
Achievable
Achieving in regard to SMART goals refers to how realistic the goal is. Sometimes we set unrealistic goals for ourselves, which can leave us setting ourselves up for failure. Even if we have previously achieved the goal, maybe we’re not there anymore. That’s okay! This also doesn’t mean you will never achieve the ideal goal.
For example, many people worked entirely in person before the pandemic. However, it may no longer be realistic to go from fully remote to fully in-person. Instead, try thinking of something that’s more realistic or manageable, such as: “I would like to start working in person twice a week for now, but ultimately would like to work in person every day.”
Relevant
Relevance refers to the uniqueness of the goal for each individual. This means understanding why this goal is important to you and your wellbeing. When a goal is not relevant, it becomes difficult to be motivated to complete it. For example, if someone sets a goal to start setting better boundaries at work but already has healthy ones, the goal may not be relevant. Perhaps try identifying ways to reinforce and maintain boundaries, or identifying relationships that would benefit from stronger boundaries.
Time-bound
Time refers to the constraints we impose on the goals. When we have a due date or “deadline,” it can help us remain motivated and engaged to complete the goals. When we do not have time constraints, it makes it less likely that we will remain engaged enough to complete the goal. For example, saying “I am going to start reading more soon” lacks time constraints, which makes it less motivating to complete the goal. Instead, try saying something like: “I am going to start reading this new book tomorrow. I am going to finish it by the end of the month.”
Putting It All Together
Let’s put it all together to see what a SMART goal can look like: Specific: I would like to practice self-care more routinely. I am going to make sure I read more. Measurable: I will read 2 chapters every day. Achievable: I used to read six chapters a day, but two chapters a day feels more realistic for me right now. Relevance: This is important to me because I really enjoy reading, and I want to get back into it. Time-bound: I will start reading tonight, and will finish this book in two weeks.
At Roamers Therapy, our psychotherapists are here to support you through anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship issues, race-ethnicity issues, LGBTQIA+ issues, ADHD, Autism, or any challenges you encounter. Our psychotherapists are trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Acceptance, and Commitment Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Gottman Therapy.
Whether you’re seeking guidance on a specific issue or need help navigating difficult emotions, we’re ready to assist you every step of the way.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule a session with our mental health professionals to begin your healing journey. To get started with therapy, visit our booking page.
First, decide if you’ll be paying out-of-pocket or using insurance. If you’re a self-pay client, you can book directly through the “Book Now” page or fill out the “Self-Pay/Out-of-network Inquiry Form.” If you’re using insurance, fill out the “Insurance Verification Form” to receive details about your costs and availability. Please let us know your preferred therapist. If your preferred therapist isn’t available, you can join the waitlist by emailing us. Once your appointment is confirmed, you’ll receive intake documents to complete before your first session.
This page is also part of the Roamers Therapy Glossary; a collection of mental-health related definitions that are written by our therapists.
While our offices are currently located at the South Loop neighborhood of Downtown Chicago and Lakeview on Chicago’s North Side, Illinois, we also welcome and serve clients for online therapy from anywhere in Illinois and Washington, D.C. Clients from the Chicagoland area may choose in-office or online therapy and usually commute from surrounding areas such as River North, West Loop, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Rogers Park, Logan Square, Pilsen, Bridgeport, Little Village, Bronzeville, South Shore, Hyde Park, Back of the Yards, Wicker Park, Bucktown and many more. You can visit our contact page to access detailed information on our office location.