Which statement is a well-defined SMART health goal?

Which statement is a well-defined SMART health goal?

• A. I will walk 30 minutes on most days for the next eight weeks.
• B. I will walk more.
• C. I will eat better.
• D. I will improve my attitude.

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is SMART goal setting—making health goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. The statement about walking 30 minutes on most days for the next eight weeks hits all those marks. It names exactly what to do (walk), how long (30 minutes), how often (most days), and for how long (the next eight weeks). You can track progress by counting days and minutes, so it’s measurable. It’s a realistic target for many people, so achievable. It clearly contributes to health-related activity, so relevant. And it has a clear deadline, giving you a defined time frame. The other options are too vague to be SMART: they don’t specify exact actions, amounts, or time frames, making them hard to measure or hold yourself accountable to.

The main idea here is SMART goal setting—making health goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. The statement about walking 30 minutes on most days for the next eight weeks hits all those marks. It names exactly what to do (walk), how long (30 minutes), how often (most days), and for how long (the next eight weeks). You can track progress by counting days and minutes, so it’s measurable. It’s a realistic target for many people, so achievable. It clearly contributes to health-related activity, so relevant. And it has a clear deadline, giving you a defined time frame.

The other options are too vague to be SMART: they don’t specify exact actions, amounts, or time frames, making them hard to measure or hold yourself accountable to.