Academic Resources

SETTING SMART GOALS

It’s one thing to say that you want to change some things in your life. However, it is quite another to actually do it! Setting a SMART goal helps you structure an approach toward those changes you seek. See explanations below.

	Word	Explanation	Good/Bad Examples
S	SPECIFIC	Set a goal that is specific enough to be accomplished.	Not specific: stay out of trouble, get straight A’s Specific: Get to class on-time, turn in all of my work
M	MEASURABLE	Establish criteria (what you have to show) for the goal to be achieved.	Not Measurable: I want to make a lot of free throws Measurable: I want to make at least 9 of 10 free throws in practice
A	ACTION-ORIENTED	Involves specific actions that will result in your reaching the goal	Nope: In order to get an A in Math, I have to study Yep: In order to get an A in Math, I have to review my concepts and practice problems every night
R	REALISTIC	Should be something that is attainable given the resources and limitations that you have	Unrealistic: I can win every wrestling match this season if I try Realistic: I can use the techniques I’ve learned in practice during my matches, whether I win or not
T	TIMELY	Allow reasonable time to complete each goal, but not so much time that you lose focus	Not Timely: I want to learn to play the guitar Timely: By October 1, I want to be able to play A chords without looking at my hands