The SMART goals acronym, representing Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound, is a framework that, when applied to your patient’s goals, ensures they are realistically achievable within a defined time period.

Utilizing these criteria eradicates vagueness and uncertainty, establishes a precise schedule for achieving goals, simplifies the monitoring of progress, and highlights any unmet milestones.

An example of a SMART goal statement could be formulated as follows:

My goal is to [quantifiable objective] within [specific timeframe]. I will execute this accomplish this by [outlined steps]. The outcome of this goal will be [specified outcome or benefit].

In order for a goal to be effective, it needs to be specific. A specific goal answers questions like:

• What needs to be accomplished?

• Who’s responsible for it?

• What steps need to be taken to achieve it?

Thinking through these questions helps get to the heart of what you’re aiming for.

I will increase my vegetable intake.

While specificity provides a strong foundation, incorporating quantifiable elements into your goals enhances the ability to monitor progress and determine successful completion. Transforming a goal into a SMART objective is more potent when it incorporates measurable and trackable benchmarks.

I will increase my vegetable intake by eating five servings of vegetables daily.

When assessing if a goal is achievable, consider and reflect with your patient whether they have the tools and action plan available to accomplish this goal.

Questions to check in with the patient to help confirm their goal:

-Do they enjoy eating vegetables?

-Does the patient have access to a variety of affordable produce?

-Do they have time & tools to prepare vegetables in meals? What level of convenience is needed?

I will increase my vegetable intake by eating five servings of vegetables daily.

It’s also important that goals are grounded in reality, avoiding the pitfall of setting unattainable aspirations. Reflect with your patient on whether they can realistically achieve the defined objective.

Patient recognizes eating five servings of vegetables daily may be challenging since they are currently have one serving daily. You and your patient may collaborate to make goal more realistic.

I will increase my vegetable intake by eating three servings of vegetables daily.

To properly measure success, you and your patient need to be on the same page about when a goal has been reached. What’s your time horizon?

SMART goals should have time-related parameters built in, so everybody knows how to stay on track within a designated time frame.

Once you have established a time frame, you can decide when to come together and discuss how the goal went and assess what the next steps are.

I will increase my vegetable intake by eating three servings of vegetables daily this week.