13 SMART Goals Examples to Strengthen Your Relationship

The key to a successful relationship is to set and work toward effective goals. The SMART method is an amazing way to focus your efforts and ensure that both partners stay on track to meeting their objectives.

By creating SMART goals together, both partners can develop a deeper connection while growing personally. Here, we’ll look at examples of SMART goals for couples to strengthen their relationship.

What is a SMART Goal?

The SMART system will enable you to establish practical goals for improving relationships. Do you need more clarification?

Let’s dive deeper into each SMART element:

Specific

Developing relationship goals is essential to building a healthy and fulfilling partnership. However, many people make the mistake of setting vague or ambiguous goals, hindering their progress.

Realize that the more specific your relationship goals are, the better your chances of achieving them. For instance, instead of striving to “enhance communication,” try specifying what aspect of communication you want to work on.

Do you need to learn how to listen actively? Or perhaps you need to express yourself more clearly? You can focus your efforts and track your progress by identifying specific areas for improvement.

Measurable

Measurable goals give you a clear target to work towards and allow you to track progress along the way. First, you must define success for yourself and your partner.

That could be anything from improved intimacy to increased trust. Suppose your goal is to improve communication in your relationship. Some measurable steps include scheduling regular check-ins with each other, attending couples therapy sessions, or practicing active listening techniques.

Attainable

When setting relationship goals, it’s crucial to be realistic. Many couples set unrealistic expectations, which can lead to disappointment and frustration down the line. If you want to have a successful and happy relationship, remember to set achievable and practical goals.

Relevant

Creating meaningful goals that are in line with your values and beliefs can inspire you to reach your desired destination. Your personal values will act as a guide to help you stay on track when facing difficult times.

Time-Based

A well-defined timeline can allow you to stay laser-focused on your goals and maintain a sense of direction. After all, reaching success takes time, dedication, and hard work. It’s a process that requires consistent nurturing over time.

13 SMART Goals Examples to Strengthen Your Relationship

Here are some examples of SMART goals for relationships:

1. Schedule Regular Date Nights

SMART Goal: We want to set aside at least one night each week for a meaningful date night. It can be something as simple as dinner, a movie, or a game night. We’ll prioritize this time together and not compromise it.

Specific: The goal clearly states the intention of setting aside time each week for a date night.
Measurable: The couple can measure their progress by how often they can stick to the scheduled date night.
Attainable: This statement is feasible given that they set aside one night a week for it.
Relevant: Regular date nights are essential in maintaining and strengthening relationships.
Time-based: You should pursue this particular goal on a weekly basis.

2. Facilitate Open Communication

SMART Goal: I’ll strive to promote an environment where open communication is encouraged and welcomed within 5 months. That means creating a space for different opinions to be heard, exploring new ways of expressing ourselves, and fostering meaningful dialogue between my partner and me.

Specific: The goal is well-defined, stating precisely the objective and how it will be met.
Measurable: By creating an environment of open communication, the couple can determine whether or not they are feeling heard and understood.
Attainable: This goal can be reached by setting aside time to discuss complex topics, exploring different communication styles, and listening without judgment.
Relevant: This relates to relationship building as it encourages the couple to express themselves in a safe and supportive space.
Time-based: Goal achievement will be expected after 5 months.

3. Spend Quality Time Together

SMART Goal: To ensure our relationship remains strong, I will dedicate at least two hours per week to quality time together by the end of three months. We will use this time to discuss our feelings, plan for the future and enjoy each other’s company.

Specific: You’ll set aside two hours for quality time with your significant other each week.
Measurable: Count the number of hours that you spend together weekly.
Attainable: Two hours per week is reasonable for spending quality time.
Relevant: This goal relates to your primary objective of strengthening your relationship.
Time-based: You should anticipate meeting this goal within three months.

4. Create Positive Rituals

SMART Goal: I’ll create one new positive ritual that we can do together each month for the next 10 months. These activities will comprise things we enjoy, such as walking together or cooking a meal.

Specific: This is explicit because they will create one positive ritual per month.
Measurable: Ensure you create rituals that you and your partner enjoy and are easy to do monthly.
Attainable: The goal is possible if you and your partner try to find activities you enjoy.
Relevant: Positive rituals are a great way to strengthen relationships and build better bonds.
Time-based: The SMART goal should be done within 10 months.

5. Show Appreciation for Each Other

SMART Goal: By the end of two months, we’ll make time every day to show appreciation for each other by giving compliments or doing small acts of kindness. That can include writing a nice note, creating a homemade gift, or taking the time to say “thank you.”

Specific: The couple intends to take time daily to show appreciation for one another.
Measurable: You can check progress by the compliments or small acts of kindness you have done.
Attainable: This is definitely doable and will strengthen the relationship if practiced daily.
Relevant: Showing appreciation for each other is integral to any relationship.
Time-based: The SMART goal has a two-month time frame for lasting success.

6. Take Turns Planning Dates

SMART Goal: I’ll commit to taking turns with my partner in planning dates. Each of us will plan at least one date a month for the following 6 months. We will alternate between taking turns planning and choosing a favorite activity to do together.

Specific: The individual commits to taking turns with their partner in planning dates.
Measurable: Make sure you and your partner plan at least one date a month for 6 months.
Attainable: This is manageable as it is not too time-consuming and can be achieved.
Relevant: The goal is appropriate because it encourages spending quality time together and investing in the relationship.
Time-based: This goal is time-bound because it has an end date of 6 months.

7. Learn Your Partner’s Love Language

SMART Goal: I’ll try to find out my partner’s love language within two months. I will then use that information to try and speak my partner’s language in both words and actions.

Specific: This goal states what you need to do (discover your partner’s love language) and the time in which you should be able to complete it (two months).
Measurable: You could track the number of books you’ve read and your conversations with your partner about this.
Attainable: Discovering your partner’s love language in two months is possible.
Relevant: Learning and speaking your partner’s love language can improve your relationship.
Time-based: You have two months to determine your partner’s love language.

8. Increase Affection and Touching

SMART Goal: I want to try to increase the physical affection and touching I show my partner daily for at least three months. This can be a hug, kiss, holding hands, or another way I know is meaningful to them.

Specific: The goal is evident in that it specifies increasing physical affection and touching.
Measurable: You can track the amount of physical affection over three months.
Attainable: This goal is definitely obtainable within a three-month time frame.
Relevant: Pursuing this statement will undoubtedly enhance connection and intimacy.
Time-based: Three months are required to reach goal completion.

9. Resolve Conflict Effectively

SMART Goal: I will strive to resolve conflicts peacefully and with respect for both parties by the end of one month. I’ll take responsibility for my role in the conflict and listen to the other person’s point of view without judgment.

Specific: The person is setting a goal to resolve conflicts with respect and understanding for both parties.
Measurable: Ensure the person is taking responsibility for their role in the conflict and not just one-sidedly blaming somebody else.
Attainable: It is possible to find a peaceful resolution if both parties are willing.
Relevant: This is essential because it’s about learning to communicate effectively and not resorting to passive-aggressive tactics or arguments.
Time-based: You have the end of one month to accomplish success.

10. Demonstrate Compromise and Respect

SMART Goal: Within the three months ahead, I will consciously express my feelings and needs while respecting the other person’s feelings. I want us to navigate conflicts and disagreements in a way that shows our willingness to compromise.

Specific: This goal clearly states what needs to be accomplished.
Measurable: The couple can monitor how often they demonstrate respect and compromise during conflicts or disagreements.
Attainable: With the right attitude and commitment, couples can work together to demonstrate compromise and respect.
Relevant: Respect and compromise are vital to maintaining healthy relationships.
Time-based: There is a three-month deadline for this particular goal.

11. Explore New Hobbies Together

SMART Goal: I want to find one new hobby or activity with my partner every month for this year. This could range from attending an art gallery, taking a cooking class, or hiking. By doing so, our relationship will grow and strengthen through the shared experience.

Specific: The SMART goal is to find one new hobby each month for this year.
Measurable: You can determine your progress by exploring a new activity every month.
Attainable: This is feasible as it doesn’t require a significant investment of time or resources.
Relevant: Exploring hobbies and activities together can nurture the couple’s relationship.
Time-based: Success will be accomplished within this year.

13. Remember to Have Fun

SMART Goal: I promise to make time for activities that are not work-related but enjoyable for both of us. We will spend at least one day a month doing something we enjoy to remind ourselves of the joys of being in a relationship.

Specific: The goal states what the couple will do and how often.
Measurable: You could track how many days a month you spend doing activities that are not work-related.
Attainable: This goal is possible because making time for fun activities is relatively straightforward.
Relevant: This is pertinent to relationships because it helps ensure you connect with your partner.
Time-based: The couple aims to do something they enjoy at least once a month.

Final Thoughts

Establishing SMART goals can be a powerful tool for strengthening relationships. By discussing each of the 5 components, couples can create meaningful goals tailored to their specific needs.

This method provides tangible evidence of progress in your relationship and improves partner communication. Ultimately, these goals give couples the structure they need to navigate difficult times in their relationship.