Start 2026 Strong by Setting SMART Goals

These practical targets help you turn resolutions into realistic actions you can maintain throughout the year.

The SMART acronym makes goals easier to define and track your progress over time:

• Specific and Small: Break your large goals into smaller and easier-to-manage daily, weekly or monthly steps.
• Measurable: Define your goals in clear numerical terms—such as how often, how much or how many times—to help track progress and adjust where needed.
• Attainable: Choose goals that are reasonable and aligned with your current capabilities to ensure progress.
• Relevant: Determine the goals that matter to you at this stage in your life to increase engagement and commitment.
• Timely: Set a target date or timeframe to help keep you on track. 

By setting SMART goals, you can move beyond larger resolutions and focus on steady, measurable progress. As a reminder, the university offers a suite of comprehensive benefits to help you achieve your professional and personal goals in 2026:

• Book preventive care: Stay on top of your health goals and book an appointment with your primary care physician (PCP) to get your annual physical exam, vaccinations and health screenings.
• Improve wellness: Meet your weight-loss goals with Real Appeal, access at-home workouts and nationwide gym memberships through One Pass Select and achieve better nutrition with the MedEmpower Fuel app.
• Get life assistance: Find wellness and community resources, educational tools, and access financial or legal counseling with the member assistance program.
• Redeem discounts: Use Access Perks to reduce how much you spend and to learn how to better prepare for a rainy day.