Each Friday blog is specifically written for Financial Social Work Certification students and graduates and is usually an original hands-on activity.

If change were simple everyone would be achieving it.  It’s not; they aren’t.

How we work with clients to create change is dependent upon so many variables, but creating S.M.A.R.T Goals is one that holds great promise because they provide a roadmap with directions for reaching your goals/destination.

S.M.A.R.T stands for Smart, Measurable, Attainable/Achievable, Relevant/Realistic and Time-Bound/Timely.  Additionally, S.M.A.R.T goal setting includes a timeline and sets boundaries that facilitate engagement and perseverance – two critical components of “Goal Achievement” (a focused approach to accomplishing goals.)

Some clients have a clearer understanding of where they want their efforts to take them, while others do not.  One helpful approach when working with clients who have problems setting goals is the “three (3) word method. This involves asking a client to identify 3 words which represent areas or specific changes in his/her life (s)he would like to create change in. These three (3) words don’t need to be similar or thematic they just have to have meaning to the client. Examples:

1. Creativity, Growth, Simplicity
2. Focus, Connect, Momentum
3. Touch, Storytelling, Create
4. Reclaim, Rewrite, Renew
5. Passion, Confidence, Balance
6. Basics, Balance and Gratitude
7. Perseverance, wellbeing, manifest
8. Renew, Rethink, and Remove
9. Focus, Follow-Through, Grow
10. Ideas, Love, Consistency
11. Relationship, Health, Productive
12. Mind, Body, Spirit

Turning words into S.M.A.R.T Goals

1.             Exercise              

2.             Focus                   

3.             Relax                    

1. Exercise:  On exercise you would need to determine how much, how often and what type of exercise, in order for it to be a truly S.M.A.R.T. Goal.

I will exercise 3 times a week, for 30 minutes each time.  I will do dance on Monday, walking on Wednesday and dance again on Friday.

2. Focus:  On focus you need to determine what to focus on, how often and when for it to be a truly S.M.A.R.T. Goal.

I will focus on work 8 hours a day, 6 days a week.  I’ll focus on health/exercise one hour a day 3 times a week and on relaxation 2 hours a day, for 6 days a week; 1 day a week will be focused/devoted to health, exercise and relaxation.

3. Relaxation:  Someone who needs to actually make time for relaxation needs to know how much, how often and what type of relaxation makes a S.M.A.R.T. Goal.

I will spend at least 1 to 2 hours each day reading, gardening or connecting with friends and family, and 1 complete day of the week not working at all.

Have your client state each goal in a variety of ways, until he/she finds the one that feels best.  Encourage clients to place their goals where they’ll be seen often because the more goals are read the more likely they are to be internalized and achieved.