Stop Vaguely Wishing and Actually Finish with SMART Goals

You know that project you keep saying you’ll “get around to”? The one that’s been hanging over your head for months. Here’s the deal, the reason it’s still unfinished is because your goals are probably too vague.

You don’t need more motivational posters. You need structure. That’s where SMART goals come in. Yeah, yeah, I know it’s a corporate buzzword, but this really is a practical way to move your creative work from someday to done. SMART stands for:

• Specific

• Measurable

• Achievable

• Relevant

• Time-Bound

Let’s break it down.

S = Specific: Clarity Beats Wishful Thinking

“Write more songs” is not a goal. “Write one new song draft by Friday” is.

Specificity matters because your brain doesn’t do well with fuzzy directions. When you know exactly what you’re aiming for, you stop spinning in circles.

Takeaway: If your goal isn’t crystal clear, you don’t have a goal—you have a daydream.

M = Measurable: Numbers Don’t Lie

How will you know if you actually did the thing? Measurement gives you a scoreboard.

• Not measurable: “Work more on my art.”

• Measurable: “Finish three sketches this week.”

Without numbers, you can’t tell if you’re making progress. You’re just guessing.

Takeaway: If you can’t count it, track it, or check it off, it’s not measurable.

A = Achievable: Stretch Without Snapping

This is where you balance ambition with reality. Sure, you’d love to finish a 300-page novel in a week, but unless you’re a robot, that’s just not happening.

Set goals that challenge you but don’t crush you. Win small. Build momentum. Then you can scale up.

Takeaway: A goal you can actually hit is better than a fantasy that leaves you stuck.

R = Relevant: Tie It to What Actually Matters

You can set goals all day long, but if they don’t connect to what you care about, they’ll fizzle out.

Ask yourself: Does this goal connect to my bigger creative vision? Or is it busywork?

Takeaway: If the goal doesn’t serve your larger goals, cut it.

T = Time-Bound: Deadlines Create Motion

Nothing kills a project faster than “whenever.” If you don’t give your goal a timeframe, you’ll never prioritize it.

• Not Time Bound: “Finish one painting (eventually).”

• Time Bound: “Finish one painting by June 15.”

Deadlines give your future self a reason to show up. But don’t stress out too much. You can always reassess how realistic the timeline is as that date gets closer.

Takeaway: No timeline, no finish line.

Why SMART Goals Work for Creatives

Creatives often resist structure because they think it kills inspiration. But structure creates freedom. SMART goals keep you grounded while giving you enough direction to actually finish.

Instead of vague wishes like “be more consistent,” you get real steps like “record one demo per week for the next month.” That clarity takes the mental weight off and makes finishing inevitable.

Your Move

Take a project you’ve been avoiding and rewrite the goal using the SMART framework. Check it against each letter: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.

Then post it somewhere you’ll see it daily. You’ll be shocked how much easier it is to actually follow through.

Ready for More?

If you want help turning your vague dreams into structured, finishable goals, I’d love to coach you through it. Book a free sample session here: https://www.finishit.art/work-with-me

Let’s take that “someday project” and finally finish the damn thing.