How to Create Goals that are S.M.A.R.T.

How can you get to where you want to go if you paddle in circles? Trying to succeed in your endeavors without setting S.M.A.R.T. goals is a lot like paddling in circles.

Have you ever tried throwing yourself into a task only to find out that you have no idea of where you want to go and how you want to finish once you're right in the thick of it? Chances are, you neglected to cast a vision, to set proper goals, and decide what success will look like when you get there. The need to set proper goals is of the utmost importance if you want to be in a much better place six months from now than where you are now.
Just setting goals, however, is not good enough. If you set vague goals, they're not going to help you much because it's hard to measure vague goals or define the time limit on them. Goals must be S.M.A.R.T.:

Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Relevant
Time-bound

In regards to both specificity and measurability, the example of weight loss can be shown in the illustration of their collective value. It seems a little pointless to set a serious goal such as 'I want to lose weight.' A specific and measurable goal would be more like 'I would like to lose 20 lbs. 
Now, let's add the aspect of attainability: would you be able to realistically lose 20 lbs? There are ways to make goals attainable...such as changing the time frame of the goal or getting a treatment for your thyroid gland which will make it more realistic to lose weight in a timely manner, etc. A goal does no good if you cannot attain it within a reasonable amount of time.

Lay the groundwork and create foundational goals to propel you forward

Next, a goal must be relevant in order to benefit a person. You would think it would seem obvious, but you would be surprised. If a person is already underweight, it probably would not be a good idea to lose 20 lbs. In fact, if that is the case, a counselor that specializes in eating disorders may be needed in that instance. 
Finally, effective goals must be time-bound. If they are not, the procrastination monster will keep you from your goal indefinitely. Adding the component of time-binding, a good weight loss goal will look something like this: 'I would like to lose 20 lbs in two months by increasing my level of activity and decreasing my caloric intake, due to the fact that my doctor told me I should lose that amount of weight in order to live a more heart healthy lifestyle." This sentence encompasses a goal that is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. If your goals do not meet these criteria, you will likely not accomplish much. 
If you do not make your goals specific, you will not know when you have accomplished them. If goals are not measurable, you will not be able to determine what you have accomplished when you reach your goal. Goals that are not attainable will only lead to disappointment and burnout. Goals that are not relevant will not get you to where you want to be and will lead to 'spinning your wheels.' If goals are not time-bound, it gives a person license to put off accomplishing them indefinitely. 
Any good goal should meet all of the criteria above. If you have a goal that does not meet the SMART criteria, consider making your goal SMART so you will actually get somewhere. I hope at least one of you benefits from this blog. Thanks for reading, and I hope you didn't find my switch from 2nd to 3rd person pronouns distracting, but engaging :-) Give me feedback.