SMART Goals

NeurodivergenceProfessional Stress
Written By Liz Gustafson

George T. Doran, a management consultant designed the SMART goals framework in 1981. Since then it has been used by innumerable therapists, myself included, to help people set specific and more achievable goals.

SMART stands for:

  • Specific – Define exactly what you want to accomplish.

  • Measurable – Identify how you will track progress.

  • Achievable – Choose goals that are realistic for your current circumstances.

  • Relevant – Make sure the goal connects to what truly matters to you.

  • Time-bound – Set a clear deadline or timeframe.

For example, instead of “I’ll get more organized,” a SMART goal might be: “I’ll spend 15 minutes at the end of each workday clearing my desk for the next month.”

SMART goals can give structure to change, build momentum through small wins, and help you see progress more clearly.

Feel free to reach out with questions or discuss further.

Downloadable worksheet
Liz Gustafson
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