Ready to change your life and finally achieve your biggest dreams? Learn how to set SMART goals that actually work and start making real progress toward the life you love!
Hey bestie,
How many times have you set a goal and then totally forgotten about it a week later? Trust me, I’ve been there. I used to make these long, ambitious to-do lists with the full intention of becoming that girl overnight, but somewhere between my third cup of iced coffee and my Netflix binge, my goals disappeared into thin air. If that sounds familiar, then I’ve got the solution for you: SMART goals!
Before we dive in, I have something so good for you. My free Pinterest to Dream Life Guide is packed with tips to help you visualize and manifest your dream life. You don’t want to miss it—grab yours now and let’s start making those big dreams a reality! 💕
Now, let’s talk about how to actually set goals that stick and transform your life.
What Are SMART Goals?
SMART is an acronym that stands for:
- Specific – Get super clear on what you want.
- Measurable – Track your progress.
- Achievable – Make sure it’s realistic.
- Relevant – Align it with your bigger vision.
- Time-bound – Set a deadline.
Instead of saying, “I want to get healthier,” a SMART goal would be “I will go to the gym three times a week for the next two months.” See the difference? It’s clear, trackable, and totally doable!
Why SMART Goals Actually Work
When you use the SMART framework, you’re not just wishing for things to happen—you’re creating an action plan. It removes the guesswork and helps you stay accountable. Plus, it’s so much easier to stay motivated when you can actually see your progress!
How to Set SMART Goals That Stick
Get Clear on Your Why
Before setting any goal, ask yourself: Why do I want this? If you don’t have a strong reason, it’s easy to lose motivation. Maybe you want to start a side hustle so you can have financial freedom, or maybe you want to wake up earlier to have more “me time.” Knowing your why will keep you going when things get tough.
Make It Specific & Measurable
Vague goals = no results. Instead of saying “I want to save money,” try “I will save $500 in the next three months by cutting back on takeout.” Now, you have a clear number to track!
Keep It Realistic & Achievable
I love big dreams, but setting unrealistic goals can actually be discouraging. If you’ve never worked out before, don’t expect to hit the gym seven days a week right away. Start small and build up!
Align It With Your Dream Life
Your goals should match the vision you have for your life. If you dream of becoming a full-time content creator, your goal might be “I will post one high-quality YouTube video every week for the next three months.”
Set a Deadline
Give yourself a timeline! A goal without a deadline is just a wish. Whether it’s 30 days, 3 months, or a year, having an end date will push you to take action.
Write It Down
Something magical happens when you put your goals in writing. Use a planner, a vision board, or even sticky notes—just make sure you can see your goals every day.
Break It Down into Small Steps
Big goals can feel overwhelming, so break them down into tiny action steps. If your goal is to launch an online shop, your first step might be brainstorming product ideas, then setting up an Etsy account, and so on.
Track Your Progress & Adjust
Check in with yourself regularly! If something isn’t working, tweak your plan instead of giving up. Progress isn’t always linear, and that’s okay.
Reward Yourself
Celebrating small wins keeps you motivated! Treat yourself when you hit a milestone—maybe it’s a self-care day, a cute planner, or a fun coffee date with your bestie.
Stay Accountable
Having an accountability partner can make all the difference. If you need help staying on track, my Accountability Bestie 12-Week Guided Planner is perfect for keeping you motivated and crushing your goals this year! It’s your daily check-in buddy to help you choose the right goal, stay focused, and actually achieve what you set out to do.
Example SMART Goal Ideas to Get You Started
Need inspo? Here are some SMART goal ideas you can try:
- Health: “I will drink 8 glasses of water daily for the next 30 days.”
- Finances: “I will save $200 per month for the next 6 months.”
- Career: “I will apply to 5 new jobs per week for the next month.”
- Personal Growth: “I will read 2 personal development books in the next 60 days.”
- Self-Care: “I will journal for 10 minutes every morning for the next 3 weeks.”
Final Thoughts: Your Glow-Up Starts Now!
Bestie, your dream life isn’t going to build itself—you have to take action! Setting SMART goals is one of the best ways to actually make things happen instead of just wishing for them. Remember to start small, stay consistent, and keep going even when it gets tough.
And don’t forget to grab my Accountability Bestie 12-Week Guided Planner to help you stick to your goals this year! You’ve got this. 💖
Xo, Chelsea Elise
