Specific
I will improve my math skills by practicing algebra problems.
SMART! The subject and the action are Specific.
I will study more for tests.
Not! "More" is not measurable. How long will they study? How often?
I will practice basketball 30 minutes a day.
SMART! This can be achieved because it is manageable and consistent.
I will improve my GPA for college applications.
SMART! Directly connected to academic/career goals.
I will improve my math grade.
Not! Where is the deadline?
I will work harder in class.
Not! This is not a specific goal, we don't know how they will work harder. Is it for all classes or a certain one? We don't know, it is not specific enough.
I will do 100% of my English homework.
SMART! You can measure, or count, 100%.
I will never make another mistake on tests.
Not. This is not realistic, we all make mistakes!
I will study biology because I want to go into healthcare.
SMART! The goal is to take a class that is Relevant to their career.
I will read 20 pages per day for the next month.
SMART! There is a clear goal with an end date.
I will participate more in class discussions 4th quarter.
SMART! It is Specific in where the goal takes place and when they want to complete it.
I will become smarter in science.
I will study 10 hours every day.
Not! There is no way we can study 10 hours every day.
I will study history even though I don’t need it for my goals.
Not! No clear connection to personal goals.
I will review my notes for 15 minutes before each quiz this grading period.
SMART! This is realistic and there is a specific time to study and for how long they want to maintain it, which is the quarter.
I will get in shape.
Not! What they want to do is not Specific. Get in shape is not clearly defined.
I will go to school more.
Not! The idea is great, but it is not measurable! How many days a week?
“I will improve my grade by 5–10% over a quarter.”
SMART! This is achievable and realistic.
I will practice ballet 30 minutes a week to get better at football.
SMART! This is specific and is actually relevant. Ballet is supposed to improve performance.
I will get in shape soon.
Not! Soon is not a specific time frame.
I will clean my room regularly.
Not! There is no Specific plan.
I will try harder in my classes.
Not! This would be measurable if a specific grade, or percentage increase was added.
I will learn to be fluent in another language by next month.
Not! One month to become fluent in a foreign language is not realistic!
I will prepare for my presentation daily until Friday.
SMART! This person wants to practice daily for an entire week for a presentation. It is specific and relevant.
I will attend at least 90% of my classes this semester.
SMART! This is a quarter goal.