Why is a SMART goal important?
A goal like, "I want better grades" or "I want to run faster" isn't really a goal, it's a vague dream. Go through each of the sections below to set yourself up for success.
Although the acronym is SMART, we find it's easiest if you make the goal in the order we've put below (SMTAR).
Although the acronym is SMART, we find it's easiest if you make the goal in the order we've put below (SMTAR).
Specific
Clearly define your goal; If it's too vague, it makes it harder to plan and motivate yourself! If your goal is too big, break it down smaller.
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Questions to ask yourself: How can I break down this goal further? Is the plan I have to develop going to be too tough? |
SPECIFIC Examples
"I will get a better grade in history." "I will complete all assignments on time." "I will run a faster mile." "I will write a resume." |
Measurable
"Measurable" literally means "able to be measured." Basically you have to make sure you're actually able to tell when you've achieved your goal, AND give yourself something to push towards.
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Questions to ask yourself: Can I track my progress toward my goal? Does it push me to do my best? How can I add a number to my goal? |
MEASURABLE Examples
"I will get a 'B' in history." "I will run a mile in 7 minutes." "I will go to bed before 11pm every night." "I will save up $3,000 so I can buy a car." |
Timely (or Time-Limited)
Add a deadline of some sort to your goal. If you don't, Parkinson's Law will come to bite you! The tighter the deadline the better, because it'll force you to keep working and use your time efficiently. If it's a little daunting (scary, makes you nervous), that's a good thing!
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Questions to ask yourself: Can I tell the exact second I have achieved my goal? Does my deadline make me a little nervous? |
TIMELY Examples
"I will get a 'B' in history this marking period." "I will run a mile in 7 minutes by the end of the month." "I will save up $3,000 so I can buy a car by my birthday." |
Attainable
"Attainable" literally means "able to be attained." In this step we're looking at whether or not it is legal and/or physically possible for you to achieve something. For example, it is an unattainable goal to become President of the United States by the age of 32 since the legal requirement is to be age 35. Assume for this step you're getting unlimited resources and time.
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Questions to ask yourself: Is my goal legally or physically possible to achieve? What resources do I need to achieve my goal? What hurdles must I overcome? |
ATTAINABLE Examples
Attainability is determined by your own situation and the goal. For example, it may be possible to get an A in history next semester, but not mathematically possible to achieve it this semester. |
Realistic
Just because a goal is attainable (physically and legally possible) doesn't mean it's realistic to your situation. Consider what you'd be required to do to achieve your goal: the resources and time you'd need to dedicate, the luck necessary, and the things that stand in your way. Just because something is technically possible, doesn't mean it's realistic.
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Questions to ask yourself: Can I dedicate enough resources/time to achieve this goal? How much luck is necessary? Are the limitations too difficult or uncontrollable? |
REALISTIC Examples
Like "Attainable," the realistic test is based on your situation and goal. For example, "Become an Olympic gymnast" may technically be attainable, but if you have no training in gymnastics, have another career, or are 65 years old, it's not exactly a realistic goal. |
Before You Move On...
Make sure you:
- Write down a goal that is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely
- Double check your goal is as SMART as possible (ask the questions in each section to make sure)
