Build SMARTER Goals for Personal Growth and Success

 A simple note can serve as a powerful reminder to set your goals and commit to them.

Goal-setting is one of the most powerful tools in personal growth. By defining clear goals, you give yourself direction and motivation. But not all goals are created equal – the way you format and plan them can make a huge difference in whether you achieve them. That’s where SMARTER goals come in. At Ionia Vitality, we coach our clients to use the SMARTER framework to inject both passion and practicality into their goals. In this post, we’ll break down each part of SMARTER, explain why it’s more effective than the classic SMART method, and show you (with real-life examples) how to create your own SMARTER goals for success.

What Are SMARTER Goals?

SMARTER is an expanded version of the popular SMART goal framework. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound – five criteria that help make a goal clear and attainable. SMARTER adds two crucial elements on top of those: Enthusiasm (the emotional drive behind the goal) and Resources (the tools, support, and knowledge you need). By including enthusiasm and resources, SMARTER goals address the emotional and practical dimensions of success, not just the outcome itself.

Think of it this way: A SMART goal gives you clarity on what you want and how to measure and time it. A SMARTER goal goes further by tapping into why it excites you and what you’ll need to get it done. Let’s break down each letter in the SMARTER acronym:

Specific

Your goal should be crystal clear and well-defined. Answer the who, what, where, and why. Vague goals lead to vague results, so pinpoint exactly what you want to accomplish. For example, instead of saying “I want to get fit,” a specific goal would be, “I will run a 5K charity race in my city.” The more specific your goal, the easier it is to visualize and work toward.

Measurable

Every goal needs some way to measure progress or success. Define how you’ll know you’ve achieved it – usually with numbers or concrete criteria. Measurable goals help you track your progress and stay motivated because you can see how far you’ve come. For instance, “run a 5K in under 30 minutes” or “lose 10 pounds by September” are measurable targets. Checking milestones off a list or hitting a number gives you feedback and a little hit of accomplishment along the way.

Achievable

Goals should stretch you but remain realistic given your resources and constraints. An achievable (or attainable) goal is one you have the capability to reach with effort and the right approach. Ask yourself if the goal is feasible: Do you have the skills and time? If not, what could help make it attainable? Setting an unrealistic goal (like “run a marathon next week” when you’ve never run before) can lead to discouragement. Instead, make sure it’s challenging but doable. Remember, you can always set a bigger goal next – success builds on success.

Relevant

Ensure the goal matters to you and aligns with your broader objectives or values. A relevant goal fits your life situation and contributes to your long-term vision. If a goal isn’t personally meaningful, you’ll struggle to stick with it. Check that your goal is something you truly want (not just something others expect of you) and that it fits your why. For example, if your overall aim is a healthier lifestyle, a goal to “run a 5K” or “cook three healthy meals a week” is relevant – while a random goal like “learn to play guitar” might not be (unless it ties into your personal growth or happiness).

Time-Bound

Every goal needs a deadline or timeframe. Setting a time-bound target creates a sense of urgency and helps you prioritize your goal in your daily life. Whether it’s a specific end date (“by December 31, 2025”) or a frequency (“three times per week”), put a time frame on it. Deadlines fight off procrastination and let you schedule your action steps. For example, “I will finish writing my business plan by June 1” or “I will save $5,000 within 12 months.” If a goal has no time attached, it’s easy to keep pushing it off – so nail down when you plan to achieve it.

Enthusiasm (Emotional Drive)

This is the first extra ingredient that turns SMART into SMARTER. Enthusiasm is the passion, excitement, or positive emotion behind your goal. It’s why the goal fires you up. Tapping into your enthusiasm means identifying the core motivation or emotional reward you get from achieving the goal. Maybe running that 5K excites you because you’ll prove to yourself you can do it, or it’s for a charity you care about. Maybe starting that side hustle fills you with energy because it’s your lifelong passion. When you build a goal around genuine enthusiasm, you’ll find it easier to stay motivated during tough times. In fact, pursuing a goal with a sense of excitement and purpose – rather than out of fear or obligation – is more likely to lead to long-term success. To leverage enthusiasm, feel the emotion of your goal: visualize the pride, joy, or relief you’ll feel when you hit that finish line. As the old saying goes, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”

Resources (Tools & Support)

The second extra ingredient: resources. This is all about what you need to make your goal happen. Consider the tools, knowledge, skills, support network, and time you’ll require. Identifying resources upfront helps you be practical and prepared. For example, do you need a training plan, a mentor or coach, a budget, or even a friend to join you for accountability? Listing your resources also highlights any gaps to fill. Maybe you realize you need to learn a new skill or set aside an hour each day for practice – that becomes part of your plan. Ensuring you have (or can get) the necessary resources boosts your confidence that the goal is doable. It also reduces the chance you’ll hit a wall later because you were unprepared. In other words, set yourself up for success: if you know a goal will require certain support, arrange it in advance. As one goal-setting guide notes, *“It’s always wise to ensure that you have the proper finances, resources, and [support] before going ahead with a plan or goal”*. With the right resources in place, you remove obstacles that might have derailed you and make success that much more likely.

Why SMARTER Goals Outshine SMART Goals

Traditional SMART goals are a great start – they ensure your goal is clear and trackable. However, SMARTER goals take it to the next level by addressing two areas that SMART misses: the heart and the groundwork. The “Enthusiasm” and “Resources” components make goals more holistic and effective in a few key ways:

Emotional engagement: A goal fueled by enthusiasm has built-in motivation. When you genuinely care about a goal and feel excited by it, you’re more likely to follow through when the initial excitement wears off. Many people set perfectly logical SMART goals but abandon them because they never felt a strong personal connection or drive. By explicitly asking “What about this goal lights me up?”, SMARTER goals ensure you attach meaning and positive emotion to the outcome. This emotional drive can carry you through challenges – it’s easier to keep going when the goal inspires you, not just when it sounds practical. In short, enthusiasm injects your goals with intrinsic motivation and joy, which are powerful fuels for persistence.

Practical preparation: Adding the resources component forces you to think ahead and plan for success. One big reason goals fail is that people dive in without a plan for how to achieve them or without the necessary support. By identifying resources upfront, you essentially create an action plan alongside your goal. For example, if your goal is to write a book, listing resources might involve scheduling daily writing time, joining a writers’ group for feedback, or using an app to block distractions. This step turns a lofty goal into concrete actions and contingency plans. It addresses practical questions like: Do I need to learn something first? Who can help me? What tools will make this easier? As a result, SMARTER goals are more realistic and resilient. You’re less likely to hit a dead end because you’ve thought through what it takes. Planning resources also builds confidence – you start knowing you have what you need (or have a plan to get it), which makes the goal feel attainable.

By combining the solid foundation of SMART (clear, measurable, timed goals) with enthusiasm (heart) and resources (planning), SMARTER goals cover all the bases. They engage your mind and your heart, and they prompt you to prepare for the journey, not just the destination. In our coaching at Ionia Vitality, we’ve seen that clients who ignite their passion and map out their support system from the start are far more likely to reach the finish line. SMARTER goals keep you motivated and organized – a winning combo for personal growth.

How to Set SMARTER Goals: Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to build your own SMARTER goal? Here’s a simple step-by-step process. You can apply these steps to any goal – whether it’s fitness, career, personal development, or anything in between. For illustration, we’ll use two example goals (running a 5K and exploring a side hustle) in the next section, but first get familiar with the process:

1. Start with Specific. Write down exactly what you want to achieve. The clearer the better – try to include details like what you’ll do and why. If it helps, fill in the blank: “I want to ___.” (E.g., “I want to run a 5-kilometer race on October 15 for charity.”)

2. Make it Measurable. Decide how you will measure success or track progress. Choose one or two key metrics or milestones. This could be a number, a yes/no completion, or any indicator that tells you that you’ve done it. (E.g., “I’ll know I succeeded when I complete a 5K without stopping, and I’ll track my running distance each week leading up to it.”)

3. Check Achievability. Ensure your goal is realistic and attainable. Consider your starting point and constraints. Ask: Is this goal within reach if I put in the work? If it feels too big, adjust it or break it into a smaller goal first. It’s okay if it’s a stretch, but it shouldn’t be impossible. (E.g., “Is running a 5K in 8 weeks achievable given my current fitness level? Yes, I can currently jog 1 mile, so with a proper training plan 5K is attainable.”)

4. Ensure Relevance. Connect the goal to your core values or long-term objectives. Why does this goal matter to you? Confirm that it aligns with where you want to go in life. A relevant goal will feel meaningful. (E.g., “Running a 5K aligns with my value of health and my larger goal of staying active, and it’s something I personally care about.”)

5. Set a Timeframe. Attach a clear deadline or schedule to your goal. When do you plan to accomplish it, or what’s your time limit? Mark the date or timeframe. Also consider any interim checkpoints if needed. (E.g., “I will run the 5K by October 15 (race day). I’ll also set mini-milestones like being able to run 3K by mid-September.”)

6. Find Your Enthusiasm. Ask yourself: What about this goal excites me? Dig into the deeper motivation or the reward that fires you up. Write down your why in emotional terms – how achieving this goal will make you feel or why it truly matters to you. (E.g., “I’m excited to run a 5K because I’ve never done a race before – it will make me proud of my body’s abilities, and I’m passionate about the charity cause. That feeling of accomplishment and contribution is my big why.”)

7. List Your Resources. Finally, make a list of everything you need to reach the goal. This includes tools, support, knowledge, and preparations. Think of people who can help (friends, coaches, communities), tools or equipment required, information or training you might need, and how you’ll allocate time or money. If you find any gaps, plan how to address them. (E.g., “Resources for my goal: a 5K training app or program, a good pair of running shoes, time in my schedule 3 days a week for training, support from a friend to run with me on weekends, and the registration fee for the race.”)

Once you’ve gone through these steps, you should have a fully fleshed-out SMARTER goal statement. It might span a few sentences by the end, covering all the elements we discussed. The process might look like extra work compared to just saying “here’s my goal,” but trust me – this upfront investment pays off. You end up with a goal that is clear, motivating, and actionable. Next, let’s apply this framework to our two example scenarios so you can see it in action.

Example 1: A SMARTER Fitness Goal (Running a 5K)

Let’s say your personal growth goal is to get in shape and challenge yourself, and you decide to run a 5K. Here’s how we’d turn that into a SMARTER goal:

Specific: Define the goal clearly. Instead of just “I want to run more,” you specify what, when, and where. For example: “I will run my first 5K race at the local charity event on October 15.” This answers what you’re doing (running a 5-kilometer race), which event, and when it will happen.

Measurable: How will you measure success? In this case, it could simply be completing the 5K run on that date. You might add a target time if you have one (say, “finish in under 30 minutes”), but finishing the race is a clear measurable outcome. You can also set training benchmarks as measurements: “I will track my runs using a running app, aiming to increase my distance by 0.5 km each week until I hit 5 km.” This way, you have progress metrics (weekly distance, run completion) to keep you on track.

Achievable: Is this goal attainable for you? Consider your current fitness level and schedule. Suppose right now you can comfortably walk/jog 1–2 kilometers. Running 5K with two months of training is achievable with a proper plan (for many beginners, 8–10 weeks of training is a common timeframe to build up to a 5K). You might note, “I’ll use a Couch-to-5K training program, which is designed for beginners – this makes the goal realistic. I’ve also checked my schedule and I can dedicate 30 minutes, 3 times a week to run.” By confirming these points, you reassure yourself the goal is within reach.

Relevant: Ask why this goal matters to you. If your larger aim is improving health and proving to yourself that you can stick to a fitness challenge, this is highly relevant. You might say, “This goal aligns with my desire to live a healthier lifestyle and it’s something I really want. I’ve always admired people who run races; doing this will make me feel strong and accomplished.” If the charity aspect is important to you, that adds relevance too (supporting a cause you care about). There’s clear personal meaning behind the goal – it’s not just a random task.

Time-Bound: We already set the date: the race is on October 15 (for example). That gives you a fixed deadline. You might add, “It’s currently August 1, so I have about 10 weeks to prepare.” Having this timeline, you can even create a mini-schedule: e.g., “By mid-September I aim to run 5K in training, so I’ll be ready for race day.” The event date creates natural urgency – each week counts toward being ready in time.

Enthusiasm: Now, identify the emotional drive. What’s fueling you to do this? Perhaps you’ve struggled with fitness before and the idea of finishing a 5K fills you with excitement and pride. You might write down, “I’m actually excited about this goal! I can picture crossing that finish line with a smile. The thought of being able to call myself a ‘5K finisher’ is thrilling and motivates me to train. Also, a few friends are doing the race too, and I’m pumped to share that experience and maybe even celebrate together after. On tough training days, I’ll remind myself of that victorious feeling waiting for me.” By articulating this, you’re reminding yourself of the emotional reward, which will help on rainy days when the couch looks more inviting than the running trail.

Resources: Lastly, list out resources and plan to use them. For running a 5K, key resources might include: a training plan (there are many free 5K training schedules or apps), proper running shoes and attire (to prevent injury and stay comfortable), maybe a running buddy or group for accountability, and time carved out in your weekly routine. Your list could look like: “Resources I will use: 1) Download the Couch-to-5K app and follow its 3-days-a-week program. 2) Schedule running days on my calendar (Monday, Wednesday, Saturday mornings). 3) Buy a new pair of running shoes and socks this week. 4) Ask my friend Alex, who runs, to join me on Saturday runs or at least check in on my progress. 5) Use my fitness watch to monitor distance and time. 6) Sign up for the race by registering online and pay the entry fee – this commitment will keep me accountable.”

By doing this, you’ve anticipated what’s needed and set up your environment for success. For instance, having Alex as an accountability partner and the race registration confirmed are huge boosts – they ensure you have support and skin in the game.

Now your vague idea of “I should get in shape” has transformed into a concrete SMARTER goal: “I will complete a 5K charity run in my city on Oct 15, measuring success by finishing the race (ideally under 30 minutes). I’ll train 3x/week using a 10-week 5K program. This goal is achievable with my current fitness and it’s relevant to my health priorities. I’m excited to prove to myself I can do it and to support a cause I love – that enthusiasm will keep me motivated. I’ve got my training app, gear, schedule, and a friend to keep me on track, so I have the resources in place to succeed.”

What a difference, right? By being SMARTER, you have a clear plan and a fired-up mindset. Come race day, you’ll be ready to rock that 5K!

Example 2: A SMARTER Business/Research Goal (Exploring a Side Hustle)

Now let’s consider a different kind of goal: suppose you have a passion project or side hustle idea and you want to explore its viability. For instance, maybe you love making handmade crafts (like candles, jewelry, or art prints) and are considering turning that hobby into a small business. Your goal is essentially to research and test the viability of a new side hustle. Here’s how we can make that SMARTER:

Specific: Vague: “I want to start a side business someday.” 🔄 SMARTER: “I will research and validate the idea of selling my handmade soy candles on Etsy as a side business.” We’ve specified the product (soy candles), the platform (Etsy), and the nature of the goal (research and validate the idea). To be even more specific, define what “research and validate” means to you – for example: “…by creating a small batch of 20 candles and listing them on Etsy to gauge interest, and by gathering feedback from at least 10 potential customers.” Now it’s clear what you’re going to do as part of this goal.

Measurable: How will you know if your side hustle idea is viable? You might set measurable criteria such as: “I will consider the idea validated if I sell at least 15 of the 20 candles within two months and receive positive feedback/reviews.” Another measurable outcome could be: “…and have conversations or survey responses from at least 10 people indicating genuine interest in buying my candles.” These numbers (15 sales, 10 feedback responses) give you concrete targets to hit in your research experiment. You’ll also track metrics like cost to produce vs. price people are willing to pay, etc. Even if the goal is “research,” treating it measurably means you’ll end up with data – sales figures, survey results, website traffic, etc., that inform your decision.

Achievable: Is it feasible to do this research project given your current life? Let’s assume you have a full-time job, but you can dedicate evenings or weekends to this side project. Making 20 candles and listing them online within, say, a 2-3 month period is attainable. You might note, “I’ve already been making candles as a hobby, so I have the basic skills. I’ll need to devote some time to setting up an Etsy shop and marketing on social media, but I can manage this by spending 5-7 hours a week on it. I’ve saved up $200 for initial supplies and fees, which covers the cost to produce 20 candles and open an Etsy store.” By outlining this, you confirm you have the capacity (skills, time, and a bit of money) to carry out the goal. If any part seemed unachievable – maybe if you had zero experience making candles – you might scale the goal differently (like start by learning candle-making first). In this scenario, it looks doable.

Relevant: Why is this goal important to you? Perhaps you’ve been craving a creative outlet or a way to earn extra income with something you love. This goal should align with those personal desires. You might say, “Testing this side hustle idea is relevant to my long-term vision of possibly running my own business. It aligns with my passion for crafting and my goal of having a creative career. Even if I decide not to pursue it full-time, the skills I gain and the experience of putting myself out there will be valuable. It’s also a step toward financial independence, which is a key goal for me.” By confirming relevance, you ensure you’re doing this for the right reasons – it connects to your values (creativity, entrepreneurship, financial freedom, etc.). That relevance will keep you invested in the outcome.

Time-Bound: You need to give this research goal a timeline, otherwise “someday I’ll test my business idea” could stretch forever. Let’s put a boundary like: “Over the next 3 months, I will conduct this experiment (August through October). By November 1st, I’ll decide – based on the results – whether to officially launch the side hustle, do more research, or pivot the idea.” This way, you have a clear period to focus on the goal and an end date to aim for results. Within that period, you can set sub-deadlines: e.g., “By the end of month 1, I’ll have my Etsy shop set up and first batch of candles made. By end of month 2, I’ll have gathered initial customer feedback and perhaps made a few sales. By end of month 3, I’ll analyze the data.” Having a defined timeframe prevents the research from dragging on indefinitely and gives you checkpoints to stay on schedule.

Enthusiasm: What’s the excitement factor here? Starting a passion-driven project like this likely comes with a lot of enthusiasm naturally – but articulate it! “I’m excited about this goal because I’ve dreamed of having my own craft business for years. The thought of strangers loving and buying something I created is thrilling to me. I feel a spark of joy when I imagine logging into my Etsy shop and seeing orders come in or reading a review from a happy customer who enjoyed a candle I made. Also, the creative process of designing new candle scents and labels energizes me – it doesn’t feel like work because I love doing it. That excitement is going to keep me pushing forward, even if I hit some slow sales weeks or technical hiccups setting up the online store.” By focusing on this emotional driver, you remind yourself that this is more than just a dry research project – it’s a labor of love. Your passion for the craft and the vision of potential success will help you overcome the learning curve and any fear of failure.

Resources: Finally, list out what resources and support you will use. A side hustle research goal can involve quite a few elements, so this part is crucial. Possible resources for our candle business example:

Materials and tools: You’ll need candle-making supplies (wax, wicks, containers, scents), packaging for shipping, and an initial inventory of materials. If you already have some, note that. If not, identify where to get them.

Knowledge: If you’re new to selling on Etsy, you might use resources like Etsy’s seller handbook, online tutorials or a short course on “Starting an Etsy shop,” and maybe market research on how similar products sell. You might also seek advice from others who have done it.

Time management: You’ll allocate certain hours each week for different tasks (crafting, setting up the online store, marketing, customer service). A resource here could be a simple weekly schedule or a project management app to keep track of tasks.

Support network: Perhaps you have a friend who’s willing to test your product or give feedback on your Etsy shop design. Or you could join a Facebook group or forum for handmade business owners to ask questions. Even family support counts (someone to help you pack products or just cheer you on).

Financial resources: You mentioned setting aside $200 for this experiment. That’s a resource to note – it’s your budget for supplies, Etsy fees, and maybe a bit of advertising.

Write it out like a checklist: “Resources: (1) Materials for 20 candles (already purchased, or will buy by [date]). (2) Online learning – watch 5 YouTube videos on ‘Etsy tips for beginners’ in the first two weeks. (3) Use Canva to design simple labels and product photos (I have access to this tool). (4) Mentorship/support – ask my friend who runs an Etsy shop for a 30-minute chat about her experience. Join the r/smallbusiness subreddit or Etsy seller forum for ongoing tips. (5) Devote every Tuesday and Thursday evening + Sunday afternoon to side hustle tasks (block this time on my calendar). (6) Money: use the $200 saved to cover listing fees, shipping supplies, and materials; track all expenses in a spreadsheet to evaluate profitability.”

By detailing these, you effectively create a mini project plan for the goal. You’re setting up an environment where your idea can realistically be tested under good conditions (learning from others, having the needed tools, and dedicated time). You greatly increase the chances that your 3-month trial will give you meaningful results, rather than fizzling out due to lack of preparation.

With all these pieces, your SMARTER goal might read something like: “Over the next 3 months, I will validate the viability of my handmade candle side hustle by producing 20 soy candles and attempting to sell them on Etsy. Success will be measured by achieving at least 15 sales and feedback from 10 customers. This goal is achievable in my spare time with a $200 budget for supplies. It aligns with my passion for crafting and my goal of eventually having extra income from a business I love. I’m enthusiastic because I love creating candles and I’m excited to share them with the world – the idea of running my own shop really energizes me. I’ve prepared resources to support this goal: I’ve scheduled time for it weekly, gathered materials, educated myself on Etsy selling, and tapped into a community for support. By November 1, I’ll review the sales and feedback to decide on next steps for the business.”

Even if that was a lot to read, notice how comprehensive it is. A goal statement like that leaves no doubt about what you’re doing and why. It’s both inspiring and grounded in reality. If you’re the person with that goal, you’re waking up each day with a clear plan and excitement to execute it. And at the end of the timeline, you’ll have learned a ton regardless of the outcome – because you followed a structured approach.

Make Your Goals SMARTER with Ionia Vitality

As you can see from the examples, the SMARTER framework transforms goals from fuzzy wishes into detailed roadmaps. It adds the heart (your enthusiasm and emotional “why”) and the logistics (planning your resources) to the classic goal-setting formula. This combination makes you far more likely to stick with your plan and ultimately succeed. Whether your goal is to run a race, start a business, write a book, or anything else, try making it SMARTER. You’ll find you have more clarity, more motivation, and better preparation to tackle it.

At Ionia Vitality, we’re all about helping self-improvement-driven individuals turn their dreams into actionable plans. We encourage you to give SMARTER goals a try for your next big ambition. Write it down, follow the steps, and see the difference it makes. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone! We have plenty of resources to support you on your journey. You can explore further guidance and tools in our coaching brand’s offerings – check out the Ionia Vitality Gumroad store for helpful templates and worksheets, watch our YouTube channel for weekly tips and motivation, and read more articles on our blog to keep you inspired (links to these are available on our website).

Finally, if you’re feeling excited to start setting SMARTER goals, we have something special for you. Download the free Goal-Setting Starter Kit and start building SMARTER goals today. This starter kit will walk you through the process and give you a head start on making your aspirations a reality. Don’t let your goals linger as ideas – make them SMARTER and watch yourself grow. Good luck, and happy goal-setting!