There is no universal formula for achieving happiness; what works for one person may not work for another. But creating SMART goals can be an effective way to increase your overall satisfaction with life.
This framework can help you build amazing goals that bring you closer to contentment. In this article, we will explore various examples of SMART goals for greater happiness.
What is a SMART Goal?
The SMART system will enable you to establish practical goals for happiness. SMART is an acronym for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based.
Still confused? Let’s dive deeper into each SMART element:
Specific
Developing specific goals for what makes you happy can boost your chances of achieving them. The reason specificity matters when it comes to happiness goals is simple: vague goals are more challenging than precise ones.
When we set broad goals like “I want to feel better about myself,” we don’t have a clear idea of what actions to take to meet success. As a result, our efforts can lack focus, leaving us frustrated and discouraged.
Measurable
Measurability is critical to happiness; you must track your progress to meet goal completion. The SMART element will help you recognize any obstacles or difficulties that may arise and learn from them as you move forward. With these considerations, you can finally set yourself up for success.
Attainable
Acknowledge that it is perfectly acceptable to start small. Dividing your goals into achievable tasks will drastically improve the likelihood of success. And remember to take the time to celebrate your achievements—no matter how minute or significant they may be.
Relevant
Setting goals that match your values will inspire and drive you toward achieving desired outcomes. When life takes a tumultuous turn, your core values will keep you on the path of resilience and determination.
Time-Based
A reliable timeline is essential to keep you focused on your objectives and ensure all tasks are completed on time. Attaining success is rarely an overnight event but a journey requiring diligence and commitment over time.
13 Examples of SMART Goals for Happiness
Let’s take a look at 13 SMART goals examples for happiness:
1. Learn a New Skill
“For the next 7 months, I will learn a new skill to help me advance in my career. That could include online classes, attending lectures or seminars, or developing a project that applies the new knowledge.”
Specific: This goal outlines what you need to do (learning a new skill) and how long it should take (7 months).
Measurable: You could count how many online classes you’ve taken, how many lectures or seminars you attended, and how far your project has gone.
Attainable: Learning a new skill is achievable given enough time and effort.
Relevant: Developing a skill can help you advance your career and open doors to more happiness.
Time-based: Goal completion is anticipated after 7 whole months.
2. Visualize Gratitude
“I want to set aside 10 minutes daily to practice mindful gratitude. I will think of a person or experience I’m grateful for and visualize it as clearly as possible. This will help me stay positive and appreciate the good in my life.”
Specific: The statement is well-defined, detailing the objective and how it will be reached.
Measurable: This can be measured by the time invested in practicing gratitude.
Attainable: Setting aside 10 minutes each day can achieve this realistic goal.
Relevant: Mindful gratitude helps to boost happiness, making it an appropriate goal.
Time-based: Consider this an ongoing goal that you pursue every day.
3. Eat Healthily
“I’ll eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily by the end of four weeks. I’ll also limit processed food and added sugar, aiming for a balanced diet that keeps me healthy and energized.”
Specific: You know the exact number of servings you should aim for and which types of food to choose.
Measurable: Track your progress by keeping tabs on how many servings of fruits and vegetables you eat daily.
Attainable: This SMART goal is absolutely doable with a manageable dietary change.
Relevant: Eating healthier is directly linked to improved health and happiness.
Time-based: Give yourself enough time to make a habit out of this new diet—four weeks should be enough.
4. Connect With Others
“I’ll try to connect with people in my community by joining a hobby or social club. I aim to meet at least two new people every month and build meaningful relationships over the 6 months ahead.”
Specific: The goal clearly states what the person wants to do and how long it will take.
Measurable: You can measure progress by counting how many new people you meet.
Attainable: Joining a club or hobby group is definitely accessible and realistic.
Relevant: The goal is appropriate because it encourages socializing and forming meaningful relationships.
Time-based: Six months will motivate them to be consistent in their pursuit of connecting with new people.
5. Pursue Personal Interests
“I will spend 30 minutes each week pursuing a personal interest by the end of four months. It may be an activity, hobby, or class I want to learn or try. This is a great way to keep my mind sharp and explore something new.”
Specific: This is explicit because the person will spend 30 minutes each week on an activity, hobby, or class that interests them.
Measurable: Track your progress by counting the minutes spent each week.
Attainable: It’s realistic to spend 30 minutes per week on one or more activities that interest you.
Relevant: Making time to explore new interests is essential for your happiness.
Time-based: You will accomplish this particular goal after four months.
6. Find Fulfillment in Work
“Within 5 months, I will identify a job that I find personally fulfilling and use my skills to impact the world positively. I want to actively pursue my new role, ensuring I never compromise my values.”
Specific: The goal is to find a job that makes me happy and allows me to make a difference.
Measurable: This will be checked off when you have identified and actively pursued a job that meets your criteria.
Attainable: It is possible to find a job you are passionate about that will positively impact the world.
Relevant: Finding fulfillment from your work is essential for overall happiness.
Time-based: There should be a deadline of 5 months for success.
7. Get Enough Sleep
“I will follow a consistent sleep schedule and get at least 7 hours of restorative sleep each night within three months. Getting enough sleep will help me feel more energized, manage stress better, and make healthier choices.”
Specific: The individual aims to follow a consistent sleep schedule and get at least 7 hours of restorative sleep every night.
Measurable: Ensure you get at least 7 hours of sleep each night.
Attainable: This statement is reasonable as it does not require drastic lifestyle changes.
Relevant: This is suitable because it helps people manage stress and make healthier choices.
Time-based: The goal is time-bound with a three-month end date.
8. Live More Mindfully
“By the end of two months, I will practice mindfulness techniques for 20 minutes daily. I hope to focus on breathing and using positive affirmations to help ground me in the present moment and reduce stress.”
Specific: The person has identified a plan to practice mindfulness.
Measurable: Evaluate your progress by setting a timer for 20 minutes each day.
Attainable: This goal should be achievable with dedication and practice in two months.
Relevant: Living more mindfully can improve stress management and emotional well-being.
Time-based: There is a two-month window to meet the goal statement.
9. Make More Memories
“I want to spend more time with my loved ones and make more memories. By the end of the year, I plan to take two trips with my family, whether it’s a weekend getaway or an international vacation. I also want to schedule regular date nights and quality time with my partner.”
Specific: The goal outlines what type of memories will be made, with whom it will be done, and when.
Measurable: The number of trips, date nights, and quality time spent with family can be tracked.
Attainable: This SMART goal is realistic as it simply requires planning and scheduling.
Relevant: This is relevant to prioritizing relationships and creating meaningful memories.
Time-based: You have until the end of this year to reach goal completion.
10. Invest in Relationships
“I will spend at least two hours a week investing in relationships with my family and friends. I want to maintain strong bonds with them and show them their importance to me. I’ll set up a recurring reminder on my calendar to keep this goal in mind.”
Specific: The goal is clear and specifies the amount of time spent on relations.
Measurable: You could record the hours spent investing in relationships with family and friends.
Attainable: Scheduling two hours a week is reasonable and achievable.
Relevant: Building and maintaining relationships is pertinent to a happier lifestyle.
Time-based: You should ideally pursue this going on an ongoing basis.
11. Set Boundaries for Health
“I will set boundaries for how often and when I check work emails outside of work hours over the next three months. I want to maintain my work-life balance so that I can properly rest and recharge when away from work.”
Specific: The goal is clear. The person wants to set boundaries with work emails outside of work hours.
Measurable: How often and when individuals check their emails outside work can be measured.
Attainable: This is achievable if given enough resources and time.
Relevant: The goal helps you achieve a healthy balance between work and life.
Time-based: You will accomplish this goal by the end of three months.
12. Leave Your Comfort Zone
“I’ll challenge myself to do something different and out of my comfort zone each month for the coming year. Whether taking a painting class or trying new cuisine, I want to grow and find joy in activities I haven’t experienced before.”
Specific: This goal requires you to do something that pushes your boundaries.
Measurable: You can track how many times you challenged yourself over the year.
Attainable: This statement is reachable as long as you remain consistent.
Relevant: Leaving your comfort zone helps you discover new interests and passions.
Time-based: You have 12 months to complete this certain goal.
13. Give Back to Your Community
“I want to volunteer bi-monthly for at least one charitable organization to give back to my community. I hope to make a positive impact by helping to increase awareness or raise funds for important causes.”
Specific: The goal is clear and concise, stating the objective and how it will be met.
Measurable: By volunteering bi-monthly, you can track the number of hours spent helping various charitable organizations.
Attainable: This goal can be accomplished by researching charitable organizations and signing up to volunteer.
Relevant: This is relevant to happiness because it allows a person to make meaningful contributions to the community.
Time-based: There is no set timeline for attaining this goal, but you will volunteer bi-monthly.
Final Thoughts
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to establishing SMART goals for happiness. After all, everyone’s life journey is unique and requires a personalized approach.
By being mindful of our intentions, we can create a better life for ourselves, allowing us to experience true happiness. So don’t wait any longer—start setting goals today, and let them guide you toward a more meaningful life.
