Building SMART Goals.

You can use this method for any type of goal — personal, family, peers, financial, academics and more. You can also use the SMART goal framework for short-term and long-term goals.

SMART is an acronym that stands for:

• Specific: The goal you set should be specific, and you shouldn’t be able to misinterpret or confuse it

• Measurable: The goal should allow you to track your progress

• Attainable: The goal needs to be realistic

• Relevant: A relevant goal relates to your values, dreams, and ambitions

• Time-bound: There needs to be a target date for completion, such as four months or one year

What can make a SMART Goal Great or Not So Great?

1. The Meaning:

   1. (Specific) What are you trying to accomplish?

   2. (Measurable) How will you know that you have achieved it?

   3. (Action) What or how are you going to achieve it?

   4. (Realistic) Is this goal realistic for you to accomplish?

   5. (Time-bound) What is your deadline?

2. The Focus on Outcome: What do you want to see happen? What would happen or how would you feel if you do not complete this goal?

3. The Values of the SMART Goal: Does this goal match what you believe in, or does it go against what you believe? Is this goal truly what you want to accomplish?

4. Identifying obstacles: Is this goal something that you can keep doing? How would this goal affect your life? Would this goal hurt other areas of your life? Would you then need to stop working on this goal?

5. The Goal Size: Is your goal the right size, or is your goal too large for you to work on yourself? Would you need help to achieve this goal?

6. Resources or Support for the Goal: Do you have the right resources or enough resources to help you achieve the goal? Do you have support or the right amount of support to achieve the goal? At this point, you should think about who or what will support you in reaching this goal.

Examples of SMART goals

Personal SMART Goal

• Learning a new language or skill

• Joining a team

• Wake up early or go to be on time.

• Volunteer

Academic SMART Goal

• Improving grades

• Learning test taking skills

• Join a study group

Family SMART Goal

• Spend more time with family members

• Help more with household chores

• Teach younger siblings a new skill

Peer Relations SMART Goal

• Make new friends

• Join a social group

Financial SMART Goals

• Get a summer job

• Get a afterschool job

• Save money

• Open my first bank account

Remember to stay motivated about your goals. If you need help in creating, processing and completing your goals, don’t be afraid to seek out help as needed!