SMART Goals for the Top 3 Resolutions — Health, Money, and Organization
- Deborah Ann Martin
- 19 hours ago
- 5 min read
Most people don’t fail their resolutions because they’re lazy.
They fail because resolutions are usually:
• too big
• too vague
• too demanding
• not realistic with real-life energy and schedules
SMART goals fix that by breaking big dreams into tiny, doable steps.
The smaller the goal, the more successful you’ll be, and success builds motivation.
This guide walks you through how to turn the three most common resolutions into SMART goals you can actually maintain.
Why People Are Searching for Help With Resolutions
People aren’t looking for motivation, they’re looking for something that actually works in real life. Many people feel:
• frustrated that every year feels the same
• overwhelmed by goals that sound inspiring but feel impossible
• discouraged after strong starts that fade quickly
• tired of trying hard and still feeling like they “failed”
• unsure how to make goals smaller, kinder, and realistic
SMART goals offer structure, compassion, and success you can build step by step.
Phase One: SMART Goals for Health
A common resolution is:
“I want to get healthier.”
That sounds great, but it’s too big to take action on.
SMART goals make it specific and doable.
Step 1: Create a Simple Movement Goal
SMART goal example:
“I will walk for 3 minutes, 3 times this week.”
Why it matters:
Movement improves energy, mood, stress, and confidence, but it needs to be realistic.
How to do it:
• Choose 3 days
• Choose a time of day
• Keep it short on purpose
SMART Breakdown
Specific: Walking
Measurable: 3 minutes
Achievable: Short and realistic
Relevant: Supports health safely
Time-Bound: This week
If that feels like too much?
Go smaller:
3 minutes → 2 minutes → 1 minute
You’re not failing, you’re learning what your body can manage today.
Step 2: Support Your Body With Hydration
SMART goal example:
“I will drink one extra cup of water every morning for the next 5 days.”
Why it matters:
Hydration supports energy, mood, digestion, and overall health.
How to do it:
Put a cup by the sink, coffee maker, or nightstand to make it easier.
SMART Breakdown
Specific: One extra cup of water
Measurable: One cup
Achievable: Simple and doable
Relevant: Supports health
Time-Bound: 5 days
Step 3: Make Rest Part of Health
SMART goal example:
“I will lie down for a 10-minute quiet break each afternoon this week.”
Why it matters:
Health is not only about pushing, it’s also about recovery.
How to do it:
No phone. No guilt. Just allow your body to reset.
SMART Breakdown
Specific: Quiet rest
Measurable: 10 minutes
Achievable: Short and gentle
Relevant: Supports nervous system and energy
Time-Bound: This week
Phase Two: SMART Goals for Money
A common resolution is:
“I want to save more money.”
Again, too vague. SMART goals turn that into action.
Step 1: Build Micro-Saving Confidence
SMART goal example:
“I will put $5 into savings every Friday for the next 4 weeks.”
Why it matters:
Consistency matters more than the dollar amount.
How to do it:
Set an alarm or reminder.
SMART Breakdown
Specific: Save money
Measurable: $5
Achievable: Small on purpose
Relevant: Builds savings habit
Time-Bound: 4 weeks
If money is tight?
Shrink it:
$5 → $2 → $1 → $0.50
Progress is progress.
Step 2: Understand Your Spending
SMART goal example:
“I will track every purchase for 7 days.”
Why it matters:
Awareness gives you control.
How to do it:
Notebook, phone notes, or app, whichever feels easiest.
SMART Breakdown
Specific: Track spending
Measurable: Every purchase
Achievable: Only 7 days
Relevant: Builds awareness
Time-Bound: One week
Step 3: Reduce One Financial Stressor
SMART goal example:
“I will cancel one unused subscription by Sunday.”
Why it matters:
Small changes create real relief.
How to do it:
Look at your bank or subscription list and pick one.
SMART Breakdown
Specific: Cancel subscription
Measurable: One
Achievable: One single task
Relevant: Supports financial stability
Time-Bound: By Sunday
Phase Three: SMART Goals for Organization
A common resolution is:
“I want to get organized.”
Beautiful goal, but way too vague.
SMART goals turn it into doable actions.
Step 1: Start With One Small Space
SMART goal example:
“I will organize the top drawer of my nightstand by Monday.”
Why it matters:
Small progress creates immediate relief and builds momentum.
How to do it:
Take everything out → keep what you need → toss → put back neatly.
SMART Breakdown
Specific: Nightstand drawer
Measurable: One drawer
Achievable: Quick task
Relevant: Supports daily life
Time-Bound: By Monday
Step 2: Control Paper Clutter Gently
SMART goal example:
“I will sort mail for 3 minutes every day for the next 5 days.”
Why it matters:
Paper piles cause stress. Small moments prevent overwhelm.
How to do it:
Set a timer. Stop when it goes off.
SMART Breakdown
Specific: Sort mail
Measurable: 3 minutes
Achievable: Short and doable
Relevant: Reduces clutter
Time-Bound: 5 days
Step 3: Build an Evening Reset Habit
SMART goal example:
“I will spend 5 minutes putting items back in place before bed for the next 3 nights.”
Why it matters:
Tiny resets prevent big messes, and support calmer mornings.
How to do it:
Kids can help if you have them. Make it simple.
SMART Breakdown
Specific: Reset space
Measurable: 5 minutes
Achievable: Very doable
Relevant: Supports organization
Time-Bound: 3 nights
When Everything Feels Too Hard
If life gets heavy, parenting, grief, health, stress, finances, burnout, even tiny goals can feel impossible.
That does NOT mean you’re failing.
It means you’re human.
On those days:
• You are not lazy, you’re exhausted
• You are not behind, you’re surviving
• You are not broken, you’re overwhelmed
Here are gentle options instead of quitting:
• shrink the goal to 30 seconds
• change the goal to “rest today”
• do one tiny part of the task
• ask, “What is the easiest version of this?”
• remind yourself, “Hard seasons need softer goals”
Your worth is not measured by productivity.
Your pace is allowed to slow.
SMART Goals Turn Resolutions Into Real Change
These SMART goals work because they are:
• Specific, not vague
• Measurable, you know when it’s done
• Achievable, intentionally small
• Relevant, connected to what matters
• Time-Bound, grounded in a timeframe
Even better?
They can shrink without shame.
Every 3-minute walk
Every $5 saved
Every drawer organized
builds self-trust, pride, and momentum.
SMART goals turn “I hope I change” into “I am changing.”
Journal Prompts
• What is one small goal I can realistically succeed at this week?
• What makes traditional resolutions feel overwhelming to me?
• What area of my life needs gentle goals instead of intense goals right now?
• How would my life feel different with consistent tiny progress?
• When I shrink a goal, how is that an act of self-respect, not failure?
• Which goal (health, money, or organization) matters most to me right now, and why??
When You Want Support Beyond This Post
If you need more than reflection, these options are here to support you.
Neighbor Chat
A safe, welcoming space to talk about anything on your mind. No fixing, no pressure, just connection and understanding.
Next Step Coaching
Support focused on breaking life challenges into smaller SMART goals so you can move forward with clarity and less overwhelm.
Community Group
A supportive group space to connect with others navigating similar challenges and life transitions.
You are welcome to choose the support that fits your needs right now.
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