SMART Goals
**DOUBLE JEOPARDY**
What does each letter in SMART stand for — and why do goals need all five parts?
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound — because each part helps you focus, track progress, and stay realistic.
What’s one intrinsic motivator that keeps people working toward their goals?
Feeling proud, improving skills, or personal satisfaction
What’s one common barrier that stops students from reaching their goals?
Procrastination, distractions, or lack of motivation.
What’s an action step?
A specific task or behavior that moves you closer to your goal.
Why is reflection an important part of goal setting?
It helps you see what worked, what didn’t, and how to improve next time.
Which part of a SMART goal makes you set a deadline?
Time-bound.
**DOUBLE JEOPARDY**
What’s one extrinsic motivator that can help you stay on track?
Rewards, praise, recognition, or earning privileges.
What’s one barrier that comes from outside your control — and how can you still adapt?
Examples: illness, family issues, or schedule changes — you can adjust your plan or ask for support.
Why is it important to write down your action plan instead of keeping it in your head?
It makes it real, easier to track, and harder to ignore.
What’s one question you can ask yourself after completing a goal?
“What helped me succeed?” or “What would I do differently next time?”
Turn this vague goal into a SMART one: “I want to save money.”
“I’ll save $200 by the end of the semester by setting aside $20 a week from my paycheck.”
What’s the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset?
A fixed mindset believes abilities can’t change; a growth mindset believes effort builds skill.
You keep putting off studying until the last minute. What’s one realistic fix?
Set mini-deadlines, use a timer, or study in short focused bursts (Pomodoro method).
What’s one example of an action step for the goal “I want to be more organized”?
“I’ll clean out my backpack every Friday” or “Use a planner to track assignments.”
**DOUBLE JEOPARDY**
Why should you celebrate progress, even if you didn’t hit the full goal?
Recognizing effort keeps you motivated and builds confidence for your next goal.
What’s the biggest mistake students make when setting goals?
Making goals too broad or unrealistic — like “I’ll fix all my grades” without a plan or timeline.
You’re feeling unmotivated to work on a goal. What’s one strategy that can help you push through?
Break the task into smaller steps, remind yourself why it matters, or ask for support/accountability.
True or False: If you hit a setback, it means your goal wasn’t realistic.
False — setbacks are normal; success comes from adjusting and trying again.
How can you tell if your action plan is realistic?
It fits your schedule, energy, and priorities — you can actually do it consistently.
How can reflecting on failure actually help you grow?
It builds resilience, teaches problem-solving, and helps you make smarter choices moving forward.
Why might SMART goals matter after high school (college, work, or life)?
They help you build structure and follow-through — essential for managing responsibilities and long-term success.
Why is motivation alone not enough to reach your goals?
Motivation starts you off, but habits, discipline, and planning keep you going when motivation fades.
How can barriers actually help you grow?
They teach resilience, problem-solving, and how to handle real-world challenges.
Why is accountability important when working on a plan?
Having someone check in keeps you consistent and motivated — it turns intentions into action.
Imagine you reached a major goal — what’s the next step?
Set a new challenge, maintain your habits, or mentor someone else working toward a goal.