Basics of Effective and Specific Goal Setting
SMART goals are:
S = Specific
M = Measurable
A = Attainable
R = Relevant, Rigorous, Realistic, and Results Focused
T = Timely and Trackable
A goal is an outcome, something that will make a difference as a result of achieving it. It can't be too ambitious to be out of reach, but also not so simple that it does not challenge. A goal has to be realistic with a stretch, requiring effort and focus to achieve it. That's why goals need timeframes and measurable action steps along the way so that we can keep track of progress and make adjustments as necessary.
Express goals positively: “To improve my keyboarding” is a much better goal than “Don’t type with so many mistakes.”
Be accurate: If you set an accurate goal, putting in dates, times and amounts so that achievement can be measured and can be satisfied at achieving it.
Set Priorities: When you have several goals, give each a priority. This helps you avoid feeling overwhelmed and helps your attention to the more important ones.
Write goals down to make them more meaningful.
Keep Goals Small: Try to keep your immediate goals small and achievable.
Set Goals You Have Control Over: There is nothing worse than failing to achieve a personal goal for reasons beyond your control.
Set specific measurable goals: If you consistently fail to meet a measurable goal, then you can adjust it or analyze the reason for failure and take appropriate action.
Example:
Here is a practical example, starting with a typical, but not especially SMART, goal:
“I will do better on my report card in the next marking period.”
Here is a way to make it SMARTer:
“In the next marking period, I will get at least a C on all my math tests, and at least a B on most of my quizzes and homework assignments.”
But it's not SMART yet because it has no action plan or benchmarks. Here is a pretty SMART goal:
“In the next marking period, I will take careful notes and review them at least two days before tests and quizzes so that I can ask the teacher questions about what I don't understand. I will do my math homework before I do things with friends, and when I hand it in, I will ask the teacher about anything I am not sure about. When I get anything wrong, I will make sure to ask the teacher, or one of my classmates how they got the right answer.”
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