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SMART Goals

Many experts recommend the SMART method to set goals. SMART is an acronym to help you remember the components of setting good goals.

  • S = Specific
  • M = Measurable
  • A = Attainable
  • R = Relevant
  • T = Timely

Let's look more closely at each component.

  • S: Successful goals are Specific. To make a goal specific, think about the following: What? When? Who? Where? Which? Why? Let's examine these two goals which are not specific:
    1. Gracie wants to make good grades. Can you make this goal specific?
    2. Charlene wants to save money. Can you make this goal specific?
  • M: The essential question is how will I know if I have completed the goal? Is your goal Measurable?
    1. Hector want to save money for college. Can you make this goal measurable?
  • A: Some people set goals that simply cannot be met and they are set up for disappointment and failure. Instead, set goals that you can realistically achieve. Is your goal Attainable?
    1. A football team won zero games last season and set a goal of winning the state championship this season. Can you make this goal attainable?
    2. Marco sets a goal of earning $25 per hour at his first part time job. Can you make this goal attainable?
  • R: Your goal should make sense for you. Is your goal Relevant to your life?
    1. 1. Violet, who wants to become a welder , sets a goal of being admitted to an Ivy League college. Can you make this goal relevant? Can you make this goal relevant?
    2. Grant sets a goal to save $5,000 to buy a car, but he plans to attend a college in a big city where he won't need a car. Can you make this goal relevant?
  • T: All successful goals should have some element of time. That could be stated in terms of a semester, month, or year. Is your goal Timely?
    1. Marcus sets a goal to make the Honor Roll. Can you make this goal timely?
    2. Kendall sets a goal to save $500 towards a car. Can you make this goal timely?