Do you have a hard time getting started on tasks? Do you often feel overwhelmed by the amount of work that needs to be done? If so, then you are not alone.
Procrastination is a common problem that can significantly impact your journey to success. It would be best if you used the SMART framework to keep you motivated and focused.
SMART goals can do wonders for your productivity; you’d be able to efficiently accomplish your tasks, whether in school or at work
Knowing which types of goals to set and how to structure them can be difficult. This post will cover examples of SMART goals to help you overcome procrastination and meet your desired outcomes.
What is a SMART Goal?
The SMART goal framework can enable you to establish practical goals for overcoming procrastination. For those that don’t know, SMART is an acronym that stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based.
Still confused? Let’s dive deeper into each SMART criterion:
- Specific: Stopping procrastination is challenging and requires specific goals for success. The more effort you put into defining what you hope to achieve and how to get there, the greater your chances of meeting your objectives.
- Measurable: Measurability is crucial to avoiding procrastination; you must be able to quantify your results over time. That way, you can recognize any obstacles and learn from them as you move forward.
- Attainable: Realize that starting small is absolutely fine; breaking goals down into manageable tasks will push you closer to your dreams. Of course, remember to celebrate your success in making progress, regardless of how small or big each step may be.
- Relevant: Developing valued goals can inspire you to reach your desired destination. You’ll be able to stay on track even when facing adversity because your core values will guide you on the right path.
- Time-based: With a strict timeline, you can always keep sight of your long-term and short-term goals. After all, success can’t be attained overnight—it’s a process of dedication and hard work that must be nurtured over time.
Following the 5 SMART criteria is integral to tackling procrastination. Taking these steps will encourage you to improve your productivity and workflow.
By doing so, you can better maintain enthusiasm and motivation, ensuring that the goal-setting process is enjoyable and leads to success.
12 SMART Goals Examples for Overcoming Procrastination
Procrastination prevents countless people from reaching their full potential. Here are 12 examples of SMART goals for overcoming procrastination:
1. Prioritize Important Tasks
“I will prioritize my tasks based on importance and urgency for the 6 months ahead. I want to create a list of tasks, organize them according to importance, and tackle them in order of priority.”
Specific: The person will prioritize their tasks based on importance and urgency.
Measurable: Ensure you draw up a list of tasks to prioritize and organize.
Attainable: This SMART goal is achievable if the individual tries to create a list of tasks and prioritize them.
Relevant: Prioritizing tasks is a pertinent goal for anyone who wants to become more efficient in their work and avoid procrastination.
Time-based: There is a 6-month end date for this particular goal.
2. Manage Stress Levels
“I will consistently use stress management techniques at least twice a week for the next three months to help me focus on my tasks without becoming overwhelmed. I’ll aim to create a healthy balance between work and rest.”
Specific: The goal is easy to understand, detailing the techniques and timeline for implementing them.
Measurable: You can easily track your progress using stress management techniques twice a week.
Attainable: This goal is achievable by finding strategies and techniques that work best for you and sticking with them.
Relevant: This is relevant to overcoming procrastination because it will help you stay focused on your tasks instead of becoming overwhelmed.
Time-based: The goal has a three-month timeline for implementation.
3. Change Your Environment
“I’ll reduce my procrastination triggers by making small changes to my physical environment, such as limiting access to distracting social media websites to make it easier for me to focus. I plan to achieve this goal within two weeks.”
Specific: This goal clearly states what needs to be done (limit access to distracting websites) and how soon it should happen (within two weeks).
Measurable: You could track your time on these websites using tools like RescueTime.
Attainable: Limiting access to distracting websites can be easily done.
Relevant: This goal is appropriate as it helps you reduce your procrastination triggers.
Time-based: Goal achievement is anticipated after two weeks.
4. Break Down Large Tasks
“I will break down big tasks into smaller chunks and complete one of those pieces daily for 6 months. I plan to prevent feeling overwhelmed and demotivated when looking at a large task.”
Specific: You have precise actions available—break down big tasks and complete one of those pieces every day.
Measurable: Count how many tasks you complete daily to determine success.
Attainable: This is an achievable goal if you have the dedication to do it.
Relevant: This goal relates to your primary objective of breaking down big tasks.
Time-based: You should expect goal attainment within 6 months.
5. Reward Your Accomplishments
“I will reward myself with a treat when I finish a project on time for three months. From a fancy coffee to a day at the spa, I’ll strive to motivate myself to focus on my goals and celebrate my accomplishments.”
Specific: The goal clearly states that the person will reward themselves with a treat when they complete a project on time.
Measurable: The person can measure their progress in completing projects on time for three months.
Attainable: Rewarding oneself with a treat is achievable for anyone.
Relevant: The goal is appropriate to the task of overcoming procrastination.
Time-based: Success is expected within three whole months.
6. Find Accountability Partner
“To increase my accountability, I’ll find a peer or mentor who can help me stay on track and hold me accountable for meeting my deadlines by the end of two months. I’ll also set up regular check-ins to review progress and ensure I stay on track.”
Specific: You’ll look for a peer or mentor to help you stay on track and meet deadlines.
Measurable: The person will set up regular check-ins to monitor their progress.
Attainable: This statement is absolutely doable within two months.
Relevant: Finding an accountability partner is a helpful tool for overcoming procrastination.
Time-based: There is a two-month end date for meeting this certain goal.
7. Take Breaks and Recharge
“I will take a 15-minute break every day for the next month to recharge and refocus on my tasks. I’ll also ensure I have some physical activity during my break, such as walking outside or stretching. At the end of the month, I will assess the effectiveness of this practice and decide if I should continue taking consistent breaks.”
Specific: This goal is about taking a break every day for the next month and engaging in physical activity during these breaks.
Measurable: This will be evaluated by taking a break every day for the next month and engaging in physical activity during these breaks.
Attainable: Taking a 15-minute break every day is realistic and achievable.
Relevant: Taking breaks and engaging in physical activity could help maintain focus and manage stress levels better.
Time-based: One month is required to reach the SMART goal.
8. Set Reminders for Yourself
“To better manage my time and avoid procrastination, I will set reminders for myself every day by the end of this month. This will help me focus on the tasks I need to do and give myself more motivation to complete them.”
Specific: You’ll strive to set reminders to manage your time and stop procrastination.
Measurable: They will set reminders every day by the end of the month.
Attainable: This is a practical goal to help them stay on task and manage their time better.
Relevant: This is a pertinent goal because it helps the individual stay organized and motivated.
Time-based: The goal is time-bound because it has a timeline of one month.
9. Visualize Successful Outcomes
“I will spend at least 10 minutes each day visualizing how successfully I can achieve my goals and overcome procrastination. This visualization will help me stay focused and motivated to prevent procrastination in the future.”
Specific: The statement is well-defined. The individual knows they need to spend 10 minutes visualizing successful outcomes.
Measurable: Make sure you visualize success for at least 10 minutes daily.
Attainable: This is definitely possible if given the necessary time and resources.
Relevant: The goal is appropriate for your desire to combat procrastination.
Time-based: It is implied this goal is ongoing, so you should pursue it every day.
10. Consider Consequences of Inaction
“I’m committing to considering the future consequences of my inactions over the course of 5 months. I will think through the possible results of procrastinating and ensure I do what’s best for me in the long run.”
Specific: The SMART goal is clear, as the person outlines their commitment to considering the future consequences of failing to take action.
Measurable: Note the amount of time each week you spend considering the repercussions of not taking action.
Attainable: This is an important goal that can be achieved in 5 months.
Relevant: Procrastinating can have a long-term impact on both personal and professional success, making it essential to consider the consequences of inaction.
Time-based: The goal is expected to be achieved in 5 months.
11. Seek Professional Help
“In order to get help managing my procrastination, I’ll seek the advice of a certified professional by the end of three months. I’ll follow through on the advice and tips and use them to reduce stress, distraction, and procrastination.”
Specific: The goal states precisely what will be done and when.
Measurable: You could measure the amount of progress made and the impact it has had.
Attainable: Seeking professional help within a three-month time frame is realistic.
Relevant: This goal is pertinent to improving your ability to manage procrastination.
Time-based: The statement includes a timeline of three months for success.
12. Leverage Technology
“I’ll use available technology solutions to help me effectively manage my time and reduce procrastination. In the following two months, I will research and select an app or software to help me stay on track with tasks, deadlines, and goals.”
Specific: You know exactly the objective, end date, and action plan.
Measurable: You could measure how often you use the technology solutions to stay on track.
Attainable: This is achievable because it does not require a significant time or money investment to research and select technology solutions.
Relevant: This pertains to enhancing time management skills and reducing procrastination.
Time-based: Two months are needed to accomplish the goal.
Final Thoughts
Procrastination can be a difficult habit to break. But by setting the SMART goals examples listed above, you can tackle procrastination and become more productive. It may take time and effort to adjust your behavior, but it will be worth it in the long run.
And remember to practice self-compassion and accountability—be kind and understanding to yourself as you progress toward your goals. At the end of the day, it’s all about taking one step at a time and never giving up.
