When setting goals in psychology, we use the SMART criteria to make sure the goals are clear and reachable. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Specific: This means the goal should be clear and specific. Instead of saying “I want to feel better,” you should say, “I want to reduce my anxiety levels.”

Measurable: The goal should be something you can measure. For example, “I want to reduce my anxiety from a level 8 to a level 4 on a 10-point scale.”

Achievable: The goal should be realistic and possible to achieve. For instance, setting a goal to eliminate anxiety completely might not be realistic, but reducing it to a manageable level is.

Relevant: The goal should matter to you and be important for your personal growth. Reducing anxiety can improve your overall well-being and daily functioning.

Time-bound: The goal should have a deadline. For example, “I want to reduce my anxiety to a level 4 within three months.”