It all revolves around the goal!

You can only make progress around something you can readily track. I talk in this post about training with intent, and how it is really important to actually know what you want to accomplish — it’s the only long-term strategy for motivation and success.

SMART

Specific: If you can’t define it, how do you know you’ve done it? We need to work with something specific, such as body fat, weight, or a physical challenge.
Measurable: Give it a number. I want to lose 20 pounds, I want a 30” waist.
Attainable: It has to be something that is possible given your frame, structure, and age.
Relevant: It has to be important to you.
Time-Bound: By when? 3 weeks, 6 months, your sister’s wedding.

That means that “looking hot in a bathing suit” is not a SMART goal (it’s a great goal, but how do we measure it). Dropping 5% body fat in 15 weeks could be a SMART goal depending upon where you are starting.