In this Blog, Red Slider learns how to make kid-friendly SMART goals. Here is the breakdown for adults. SMART goals are:
Specific: Define the behaviors that will accomplish this goal. Be clear so you know when to celebrate the achievement!
Measurable: Define not just what will be done, but how much, how often, when the specific behaviors will occur, what percentage of the time, etc.
Achievable: Define the goal so that it can be accomplished. It should be realistic, and should be within the capabilities of the person (or easily mastered because the person has the prerequisite skills to learn the needed behaviors). The time needed to accomplish the goal must also be considered. Does the person have enough time to commit to achieving the goal? If it is a long-term goal, break it down into smaller goals so it can be celebrated, then create a new goal representing the next step.
Relevant: Define goals that are important and valuable. A person needs to be motivated to accomplish a goal, and it is even better if the person is intrinsically motivated.
Time-bound: Define goals using time frames. When should it be accomplished? Are there benchmark timelines? Does a specific behavior need to be done at certain times?
Example of SMART goals:
If I want to get better grades, my smart goals are focused on my behaviors. Just wanting good grades is not enough. My SMART goals include specific, realistic, and measurable things I will do to improve my grades. For example:
- “I will study or work on big projects for school at least 30 minutes every day when I get home from school.”
- “I will finish my homework completely before turning on any TV or video games.”
- “The day before a test, I will ask an adult to quiz me so I can practice.”