S
What does the “S” in SMART goals stand for?
Specific
What does the “M” in SMART goals stand for?
Measurable
What does the “A” in SMART goals stand for?
Achievable
What does the “R” in SMART goals stand for?
Relevant
What does the “T” in SMART goals stand for?
Time-bound
Which goal is more specific?
a) “I want to improve in sports”
b) “I want to run 2 miles without stopping by the end of the month”
b) “I want to run 2 miles without stopping by the end of the month”
Which of these goals can you measure progress for?
a) “I want to be more helpful”
b) “I will complete 5 acts of kindness each week for a month”
b) “I will complete 5 acts of kindness each week for a month”
Is this goal achievable? “I want to get 100% on every test this year.” (Yes/No)
No, it’s unrealistic.
Why should your goal be relevant to your life?
So it aligns with your priorities, interests, or bigger life plans.
Which of these is time-bound?
a) “I will learn to draw”
b) “I will complete a new drawing every week for 2 months”
b) “I will complete a new drawing every week for 2 months”
Identify what’s missing from this goal: “I want to get better at math.”
Missing details like what to improve, how, or by when.
Example: “I want to improve my math grade from a C to a B by the end of the semester.”
How would you measure progress on this goal: “I want to read more books”?
Track the number of books or pages read each week/month.
Example: “I will read 1 book per month and track the number of pages I finish each week.”
Suggest a smaller step to make this goal achievable: “I want to read 50 books this semester.”
“I will read 10 books this semester” or “I will read 2 books per month.”
Check if this goal is relevant: “I want to practice painting every day” for someone whose dream is to be a professional coder.
Not relevant; practicing painting doesn’t support a coding career.
How would you add a time component to this goal: “I want to improve my grades”?
“I want to improve my grades by the end of the semester.”
You want to raise money for charity. Rewrite this goal to be specific.
“I want to raise $100 for the animal shelter by selling cookies at school this month.”
Identify the measurable part in this goal: “I will practice guitar for 20 minutes every day for 6 weeks.”
“Practice guitar for 20 minutes every day for 6 weeks”
Why is it important to make sure goals are achievable? Give an example of a goal that would be discouraging if not achievable.
Achievable goals are realistic and keep motivation high.
Example of discouraging goal: “I want to run a marathon next week if I’ve never trained.”
Rewrite this goal to make it relevant: “I want to spend 3 hours every day watching TV.”
“I want to spend 1 hour every day practicing coding to improve my skills.”
Why is having a deadline important for achieving your goals? Give an example.
Deadlines create urgency and help measure progress.
Example: “I will train for 20 minutes every day for the next 4 weeks to improve my running speed.”
Here’s a goal: “I want to be a better student.” Explain why it’s not specific and rewrite it.
It’s vague.
Rewrite: “I want to complete all my homework on time and study 30 minutes every day for the next month.”
Here’s a goal: “I want to get fit.” Rewrite it to be measurable.
“I want to lose 5 pounds in 2 months by exercising 30 minutes, 4 days a week.”
Look at this goal: “I want to be an Olympic gymnast in a year.” Suggest a realistic modification for a middle schooler.
“I want to improve my gymnastics skills and learn 2 new moves this year.”
Here’s a goal: “I want to learn to surf” – explain when this might not be relevant.
It’s not relevant if the person lives far from the ocean or has no interest in surfing.
Here’s a goal: “I want to become faster at running.” Suggest a time-bound version of it.
“I want to decrease my 1-mile run time by 1 minute within 6 weeks.”