SMARTIE Goals: Your Goals Matter

With New Year’s resolutions on everyone’s minds, we’d like to take a moment to talk about setting goals, specifically SMARTIE goals. SMARTIE goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound, inclusive, and equitable goals you can set for yourself. These elements help take the pressure off goal setting by creating a clear outline of what success looks like and how you’ll get there. The best part is that you get to visualize your goal yourself and put it into action.

Let’s break down each element by taking a simple goal, reading more, and turning it into a SMARTIE goal.

Specific: A goal needs detail to avoid being vague. Vagueness doesn’t give you clear parameters for success or growth. Instead of simply saying “reading more,” get specific about what that means for you. For example, you might decide how many books you want to read or how often you want to read. A more specific goal could be “read 12 books” or“read for 20 minutes a day.”

Measurable: A measurable goal allows you to track progress and know when you’ve reached it. With reading, this could be measured by the number of books finished, pages read, or minutes spent reading. For example, “read one book per month” gives you a clear way to check your progress throughout the year.

Achievable: An achievable goal is realistic based on your schedule, energy, and responsibilities. While it’s great to challenge yourself, setting an unrealistic goal can lead to frustration. If you’re busy, “reading one book a week” may not be achievable, but “reading 10–15 minutes before bed” might be.

Relevant: Your goal should matter to you and connect to something meaningful, such as relaxation, learning, or personal growth. Ask yourself why reading more is important. Maybe it helps reduce stress, improves focus, or supports learning. This connection helps keep you motivated.

Time-bound: A time-bound goal includes a deadline or timeframe. This helps turn an idea into a commitment. For example, “read 12 books by the end of the year” or “read every night for the next three months.” This also allows you to check in with yourself and see if you need to reevaluate or adjust.

Inclusive: An inclusive goal considers your needs, preferences, and circumstances. Reading doesn’t have to look the same for everyone, this could mean audiobooks, e-books, physical books, or reading at different times of day. Choosing a format that works for you makes the goal more accessible and enjoyable.

Equitable: Equitable goals recognize that some days or weeks may require more flexibility or support. This might mean setting up shorter reading sessions on busy days or allowing yourself to pause during stressful times without guilt. The goal adjusts to meet you where you are, rather than expecting perfection.

This is just one brief example of how SMARTIE goals can support healthy and effective goal setting. What are some goals you have for the year?