SMART Goals

Specific: Specify what is to be accomplished. Vague goals do not provide enough structure. In addition, it is difficult to determine when a generalized goal is accomplished.

What are your specific goals?

Complete Week 1 Assignments

Realistic: Similar to attainability, goals must be realistic. Realistic goals do not rely on unlikely events, such as winning the lottery. Although tied to other people, realistic goals do not rely on the behavior of other people; rather, realistic goals put the responsibility of achievement on the goal-setter. Realistic goals have realistic timeframes.

Determine if the goal is personal, professional, academic, health-related, or financial. Identify the goal as short-, mid-, or long-term.

State what achieving the goal will accomplish. What will you learn by reaching the goal?

List how your family, co-workers, or organization will benefit when you accomplish the goal.

Measurable: Measurable goals indicate how much progress is made. If a goal is difficult to measure, it is difficult to achieve.

How do you measure your goals?

Do you use Checklists to check off smaller goals?

Do you prioritize goals?

Use of technology tools? Which ones work?

Attainable: Goals must be attainable. Not everyone can play professional football, but there are achievable related goals. Set goals that challenge, because challenging goals are motivating. The goals should not, however, exceed available resources.

How do you choose your attainable goal?

List the benefits you expect to receive after accomplishing the goal.opic

Timely: Every goal needs a deadline for completion. Time limits reinforce the urgency of taking action now. If a goal is not accomplished by the deadline, create a new, more realistic deadline if possible. Missing a deadline is not an excuse to abandon important goals.

Set a realistic date for goal accomplishment. Consider the identified barriers and allow ample time to accomplish milestones and the goal. Remember to be flexible if necessary.c

Predict barriers that may prevent you from reaching your goal. Investigate financial, time, and personal constraints that may hinder progress.

Strategize methods for overcoming barriers. Develop specific strategies for overcoming each barrier.