People often associate New Year’s with the phrase, “new year, new me.” This idea aligns with the overall vibe and celebration of entering a new year, with a focus on making changes, setting goals, and getting excited for a fresh start. People generally have difficult years, and they want to take control of the upcoming one by making changes and setting big goals. While that motivation is great, it also comes with pitfalls and struggles, because many of the goals we set are too vague to follow through on.
Why Have I Lost Interest in My Goals?
SMART goals provide a way to turn vague goals into more concrete, easier-to-manage targets. For many, “being fit” is a common New Year’s resolution. People sign up for gym memberships, and there is an initial wave of enthusiasm and motivation to go to the gym and get fit. This motivation is strong during the first part of the year, but then obstacles get in the way, and the motivation slowly fades. This is normal. That instant rush, that dopamine boost, is naturally wired in us because new goals feel exciting and challenging. However, the excitement slowly becomes mundane or boring when the goal is vague, and it can lead to losing focus of what we are trying to achieve.
What are SMART Goals?
This is where SMART goals come in. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, and they help guide us. For example, if someone says, “I want to be healthy this upcoming year,” what does that mean? For many, being healthy may mean going to the gym seven days a week, eating right, and running. To achieve those outcomes, we need a clear path.
Instead of setting a broad New Year’s resolution such as “I want to be healthy this year,” changing it into a SMART goal might mean: “I will go to the gym once a week.” This goal can then increase gradually. We start slowly, one day a week, and once that becomes consistent, we may increase it to two times a week. As it becomes a habit, we can continue to build on it, since habits typically take about 30 days to form.
Many New Year’s resolutions are hard to keep because the goal is vague. It often lacks specific, measurable, and realistic steps. A SMART goal like “go to the gym twice a week” is something you can check off. Checking it off gives a sense of accomplishment. Simply saying “I want to get fit” and going to the gym once may feel good, but it does not reach the broader goal. SMART goals break the large goal into smaller steps that will add up to the long-term outcome.
In essence, SMART goals are shorter, clearly defined steps that feed into a larger, more abstract goal. Even a long-term goal, such as “getting fit,” can be made more specific by defining what it truly means for each person, whether that is feeling stronger, improving health, or overall well-being.
At Avedian Counseling Center, we offer in-person therapy at Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, and Glendale. Our counselors can help you set more realistic goals and work through obstacles that hinder your progress.
Nicholas Schaub is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to supporting clients on their path toward healing and growth. He holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Entrepreneurship, as well as a master’s degree in clinical psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, both from California Lutheran University. Having lived in Thailand, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, and the United States as a third-culture kid, Nicholas brings a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and adaptability to his practice. His global upbringing fosters a culturally sensitive and open approach, enabling strong connections with clients from diverse backgrounds. Aiming to break the stigma around men seeking therapy, Nicholas is committed to offering a safe, inclusive environment where clients of all genders and backgrounds can share openly and feel genuinely supported.
