“Someday” Isn’t a Strategy – Set Real Goals with the SMART Method

1. Introduction – From Wishful Thinking to Clear Direction

Do you know the feeling when you have a thought like „Someday I want to try out that hobby, go to that specific place or be the business owner I always dreamed of?” Then months—or even years—go by and you still haven’t taken the first step toward those “someday” goals?

The reason is simple: without a clear deadline or timeframe, we tend to procrastinate. We wait for the “right moment,” when we feel ready or fully prepared. But let me tell you—those perfect days rarely come knocking. That’s why we need structure. And in my experience, one of the most effective ways to add structure to your plans is by setting SMART goals.

2. Why Vague Goals Don’t Work

Let’s talk about New Year’s resolutions—because we’ve all made one, or at least heard a friend or family member talk about theirs.

Goals like:

• “This year I’ll make more money!”

• “I’m finally going to lose weight!”

• “I want to do better at work!”

Sound familiar? The problem isn’t in the intention—it’s in the clarity. Vague goals like these don’t activate our brains in the right way. We need something more concrete to hold onto.

For example, compare:

• “Do better marketing”
  vs.

• “Launch one new campaign every week until the end of May.”

That second one? It checks every box of a SMART goal. And that’s what makes it actually doable.

3. What is SMART? The Basics You Need

SMART is more than just a catchy acronym—it’s a powerful tool for moving ideas into reality.

Let’s break it down:

• S – Specific: Define exactly what you want.
  Example: “Increase Instagram followers” instead of “Be more visible.”

• M – Measurable: Include a number so you can track progress.
  Example: “Reach 500 new followers.”

• A – Attainable: Be ambitious, but realistic.
  Example: “500 new followers in 3 months” is more reasonable than “10,000 in 2 weeks.”

• R – Relevant: Make sure it aligns with your overall goal or vision.
  Example: If your focus is business growth, social visibility supports that.

• T – Time-bound: Set a deadline.
  Example: “...by the end of August.”

A SMART goal looks something like this:
👉 “I will gain 500 new Instagram followers by posting 3 times per week until August 31.”

4. Real-Life SMART Goals – What They Look Like in Action

Here are a few examples that I often help clients build in coaching sessions:

• Vague: “Grow my visibility.”
  ➤ SMART: “Post 3 times a week on Instagram to reach 500 new followers in 3 months.”

• Vague: “Get more repeat clients.”
  ➤ SMART: “Increase returning client rate by 30% by June 2025 through a targeted email campaign.”

• Vague: “Work less.”
  ➤ SMART: “Reduce working hours from 50 to 40 per week by outsourcing 3 recurring tasks by September.”

Once it’s clear and concrete, the path forward becomes obvious.

5. Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Setting Goals

Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do.

Here are the most common traps I see:

• Being too vague – “Be better” isn’t a goal. It’s a wish.

• Letting others define your goals – If it’s not rooted in your drive, you’ll lose motivation quickly.

• No timeline – A dream without a deadline just floats around.

• No follow-up – Not tracking or celebrating progress makes it feel pointless over time.

Awareness is your first defense—once you know these patterns, you can avoid falling into them.

6. How to Stay Focused on Your SMART Goals

Creating the goal is step one—staying focused on it is step two.

Personally, I swear by sticky notes and calendar reminders. Just having my goal visible keeps it on my radar. Whether it’s a post-it on my laptop or a recurring notification on my phone, little nudges make a big difference.

It also helps to track your progress monthly. Ask yourself:

• What did I accomplish this month?

• What needs adjusting?

• What’s the next small step?

And please, don’t underestimate the power of accountability. Share your goal with a coach, mentor, or even a friend. Just saying it out loud creates momentum.

Finally—celebrate the small wins. Every step forward deserves recognition. Don’t rush past your growth. Pause and enjoy it.

7. Closing – A Goal is Not a Destination, But a Map

SMART goals aren’t rigid rules—they’re tools. They give shape to your ambitions and help you move with intention instead of impulse.

Even setting one clear, structured goal can be a turning point. You don’t need to wait for the stars to align. Just start where you are—with what you have.

Write down your first SMART goal now. And take the first small step today.

👉 If you want more inspiring and practical guidance like this, follow me on Instagram: [@coachkata.hu] 📲 Let’s grow together!