S M A RT G OA L S : S T U DY S K I L L S

GOAL SETTING

THE SECRET TO SUCCESS

•Setting goals helps us to clearly identify what we want in life•Without clear, well- articulated goals it is difficult to accomplish anything•Setting goals is the first step in getting what you want

THE SECRET TO SUCCESS

•Many of us have written goals before, yet still had difficulty accomplishing them

•Why might that be?

SMART GOALS

•SMART GOALS•Specific •Measureable •Attainable•Realistic •Timely

WHY SMART GOALS?

•Writing SMART goals helps us to articulate our goals clearly while examining our skills, resources, and needs effectively• In essence, SMART goals help us to lay out a plan to accomplish our goals successfully

SMART GOAL SETTING

• You must begin with the end in mind• Brainstorm a goal you would like to accomplish

• After writing down your foundation goal, you can turn it into a SMART goal• Example goal: I want to lose weight

SMART GOAL: STEP 1

•Specific: Stated goal should be focused and detailed•How can you rewrite your goal so that it is SPECIFIC?•Example: I will stick to a diet and exercise regime this year•What makes this goal specific?

SMART GOAL: STEP 1

• Identifying SPECIFIC goals helps clarify the direction in which you are heading•Being SPECIFIC about goals helps us develop ideas about what we can achieve by setting the goal

SMART GOAL: STEP 2

•Measureable: Stated goal is capable of being measured using concrete criteria• How will you know that you have

successfully met your goal?• What is CONCRETE criteria? An example of

an immeasurable goal: I will do well in school• Example: I will lose ten pounds by sticking

to an exercise and diet regimen• What makes this goal measureable?

SMART GOAL: STEP 3

• Attainable: Stated goal is achievable and likely based on ones skills and available resources• What skills and resources do I have to accomplish

my goal?• Example: I have a gym membership and I have

access to fitness classes at the gym• What skills and/or resources do I need to

accomplish my goal?• Example: I may need a personal trainer or a

specific exercise program to help meet my goal

SMART GOAL: STEP 3

•After you identify the skills and resources needed to meet your goal, determine whether the goal is attainable• If it is not, rewrite your goal so that it is achievable

SMART GOAL: STEP 4

•Realistic: Action steps associated with stated goal are practical and reasonable given one’s current situation and lifestyle•How does your current situation and lifestyle impact the likelihood that you’ll meet your goal?

SMART GOAL: STEP 4

• Example: I will lose 10 pounds by sticking to a diet and exercise regimen

• Action Steps: Register for a fitness class and exercise at the fitness center 3 days a week

• Reality/Situation: The fitness center hours conflict with my work schedule

• This goal is unrealistic given the individuals lifestyle • You may have to change your action steps to make

your goal more realistic• How can we change the action steps above based

on the reality/situation?

SMART GOAL: STEP 4

• Things to consider for a REALISTIC goal:•What action steps do you need to take to reach your goal?•What aspects of your lifestyle/situation can help you to complete your action steps?•What aspects of your lifestyle/situation prevent you from completing your action steps?

SMART GOAL: STEP 5

• Timely: Stated goal includes an appropriate and well- defined time frame for completion• How much time do you need to complete the

action steps associated with your goal?• Estimate the length of time it will take to meet

your goal• Rewrite your goal so it indicates the time it will

take to complete your goal• Example: This year I will lose 10 pounds by

sticking to an exercise and diet regimen that includes the use of a fitness program I can do in my down time for one hour a day, three times a week.

SMART GOALS

•Remember, well- articulated goals (like people) are SMART•Specific •Measureable •Attainable •Realistic •Timely

SMART GOALS

• SMART goals are the secret to success, so each of you will now create your OWN SMART goal that you would like to achieve this year!• Remember, start with a basic goal, and then

make it SMART• Specific • Measureable • Attainable • Realistic • Timely

MY GOAL

• Specific: what, exactly, is it that I want to achieve?

• Measurable: How will I know I’ve achieved it?

• Attainable: How achievable is my goal?

• Realistic: Is this practical and reasonable?

• Time: When will I achieve this by?