SMART Breakdown
What does the “S” in SMART stand for?
Answer: Specific
True or False: “I want to do better in school” is a SMART goal.
Answer: False
Revise: “I want to lose weight.”
Answer: “I will lose 10 pounds in three months by exercising three times a week and tracking my calorie intake daily.”
What SMART goal would help a student save for prom?
Answer: “Save $200 in 10 weeks by setting aside $20 each week from allowance and babysitting.”
Why are SMART goals effective?
Answer: They provide structure, clarity, and focus, making goals easier to achieve.
This component of SMART ensures your goal has a timeframe
Answer: Time-bound
Which SMART goal is better?
Answer: #2
Revise: “I’ll be better at saving money.”
Answer: “I’ll save $50 each month for six months by cutting down on eating out and setting up a savings account.”
What SMART goal would help someone become a graphic designer?
Answer: “Complete an online graphic design course within three months by studying 2 hours each weekend.”
What’s the hardest part of setting a SMART goal?
Answer: Answers will vary, e.g., making it measurable or realistic.
What does it mean for a goal to be “Achievable”?
Answer: It is realistic and attainable given your current resources and circumstances
What makes this goal NOT SMART? “I’ll save a lot of money soon.”
Answer: It is not specific, measurable, or time-bound.
Revise: “I want to study more.”
Answer: “I’ll study for math for 30 minutes every weekday for the next month to prepare for my midterm exam.”
What SMART goal could help a student improve their GPA?
Answer: “Raise my GPA from 2.8 to 3.2 this semester by attending weekly tutoring and completing all homework assignments.”
True or False: SMART goals can only be used for career planning.
Answer: False
Which SMART component makes sure the goal connects to a meaningful objective?
Answer: Relevant
Why is this a SMART goal? “I’ll finish reading two books in three weeks by reading 30 minutes every night.”
Answer: It is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
What’s missing? “I’ll apply for jobs soon.”
Answer: Make it measurable and time-bound: “I’ll apply to 5 part-time jobs within the next two weeks.”
Write a SMART goal for someone training for a 5k race.
Answer: “Run 5k in under 30 minutes within 2 months by running 3 times a week and increasing my speed each time.”
What tool can you use to track SMART goals?
Answer: Goal tracker apps, planners, or calendars.
Name all five components of a SMART goal
Answer: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.
What’s missing in this goal? “I’ll study math more often.”
Answer: It’s not measurable, time-bound, or specific.
Revise: “I’ll learn to cook.”
Answer: “I’ll learn to cook three new meals by the end of the month by practicing one recipe each week.”
Write a SMART goal for someone learning to budget.
Answer: “Track all expenses for one month and limit spending on non-essentials to $50 a week.”
What’s an example of a SMART goal for teamwork?
Answer: “Improve team productivity by finishing 95% of tasks on time over the next two months using weekly check-ins.”