SMART goals
What are SMART goals?
A SMART goal is designed to be clear, specific, and measurable, making it easy to determine when you’ve successfully achieved it. This framework is valuable because it helps you stay accountable throughout the process. Let’s review what each letter in the SMART acronym represents.
- Specific: You want your goal to be specific so you know exactly what you are working toward.
- Measurable: Making a measurable goal means you’ll be able to see/know when you have accomplished your goal.
- Achievable: An achievable goal ensures that it is realistic and attainable.
- Relevant: Reflect on why this goal is important to you. This will help keep you motivated to work on your goal.
- Time-based: Setting a deadline helps you accomplish your goals by staying accountable. Make sure that the deadline is realistic for your goal.
Let’s practice!
Starting Goal: I want good grades.
The goal as written doesn’t provide enough details. What class is this grade for? When will you get your good grade? What is considered a good grade? Why do you want this good grade? Is obtaining a good grade possible? Now, let’s turn the goal into a SMART goal.
Example original goal: I want good grades.
| S | Specific: Who? What? Where? When? Why? | I would like to get a final grade of an A in Anatomy and Physiology 1 by the end of fall term. This grade can help improve my application for the Nursing program. |
| M | Measurable: How will I measure progress? | To receive an A, I need 90 points or higher out of 100 points possible in the class. I will check my grades weekly on Sundays. If I have questions, I will communicate them to my instructor. |
| A | Achievable: Can this really happen? What steps are involved? | Currently I have a B, and can get it to an A if I get a 90% or higher on my next test. |
| R | Relevant: Is this goal something that is important to me personally? | Getting an A will help me complete the prerequisite to get into the Nursing program. |
| T | Time-based: Can I set fixed deadlines? What are the deadlines? | By the end of Fall term. |
SMART goal: To get into a nursing program, I will get an A in my Anatomy and Physiology 1 class by the end of fall term.
Write your own
Now it’s your turn! You can write your own SMART goals using this worksheet.
Need more support?
Online learning success coaches offer personalized support to help you clarify and achieve your goals, reflect on your habits, and overcome challenges.