BARC206L SMART Goals

Step One: Use Action Words

Using action words to set goals is like drawing a map to your dreams! Words like "climb," "build," and "learn" help you see each exciting step on your journey.
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For example, Instead of saying, "I want to be better at soccer," you could say, "I will practice soccer drills every day."
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Instead of saying, "I want to read more," you could say, "I will read 20 pages every night."
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Instead of saying, "I want to be a better artist," you could say, "I will draw or paint for one hour each weekend."
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See how action words make your goals more fun and easier to reach?

Step Two: Be Specific

​To achieve your goals, it's important to be specific and clearly define the details. For example, instead of setting a goal to 'complete a course,' you could specify the course title, the learning platform, and the target completion date. Similarly, instead of 'climbing a mountain,' you could set a goal to 'hike to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro by the end of the year.'

Step Three:
Measure Success

Tracking your progress is key to reaching your goals. To do this effectively: Set clear, measurable goals: Instead of saying "get healthier," aim for specifics like "walk 4 times a week" or "lose 14 pounds by March."

Use visual tools: Progress bars, charts, or even simple checkmarks can help you see how far you've come and stay motivated.

By breaking down your goals into smaller steps and visually tracking your progress, you'll be more likely to stay on track and achieve what you set out to do.

Step Four: Be
Realistic

Setting realistic goals is essential for achieving success.

This method encourages individuals to set goals that are

within their reach, considering their current capabilities,

resources, and timelines. By being realistic, you can avoid

setting yourself up for disappointment and ensure that your

goals are attainable.

Writing your smart goals

Specific

"I will..." (followed by a clear and

detailed action) "I want to improve

my ability to..." "My goal is to learn

how to..."

Measurable

"I will know I've reached my goal

when..." "I will track my progress

by..." "Success will look like..."

(followed by a specific outcome or

number)

Achievable

"I can reach this goal by..." "The

steps I will take to achieve this

goal are..." "I will

practice/study/work on this for..."

(amount of time or frequency)

Relevant

"This goal is important to me because..." "This goal

will help me to..." "By achieving this goal, I will be able

to..."

Time-Bound

"I will achieve this goal by..." (specific date) "I will work

on this goal for..." (length of time) "My deadline for this

goal is..."

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes a SMART goal?

• A goal that is fun and easy to achieve.

• A goal that is big and impressive, even if it's unlikely to happen.

• A goal that is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

• A goal that you keep to yourself so nobody knows if you fail.

Multiple Choice

Why is it important to make your goal "specific"?

• So you can brag about it to your friends.

• So you have a clear target and know exactly what you're working towards.

• So you can change your mind about the goal later.

• It doesn't really matter if it's specific or not.

Multiple Choice

Why is it important to set a time frame for your goal?

• It creates a sense of urgency and helps you stay motivated.

• It gives you an excuse to quit if you don't reach it on time.

• It makes the goal seem more difficult and less achievable.

• Time frames are only necessary for long-term goals.

Multiple Choice

What does it mean for a goal to be "realistic"?

• It's a goal that anyone could achieve easily.

• It's a goal that is challenging but still possible for you to reach.

• It's a goal that is so difficult, you're almost guaranteed to fail.

• It's a goal that doesn't require any effort.

Multiple Choice

Which of these goals is the MOST measurable?

• "Do better in math class."

• "Read more books this year."

• "Improve my fitness."

• "Run a 5k race in under 30 minutes by the end of the semester."

Multiple Choice

I am going to be happier.

• SMART goal

• Not a SMART goal

Multiple Choice

I am going to save money by putting 10% of my paycheck into my savings account for two years.

• SMART goal

• Not a SMART goal

Multiple Choice

I am going to save money.

• SMART goal

• Not a SMART goal

Multiple Choice

I will excercise sometimes.

• SMART goal

• Not a SMART goal

Multiple Choice

I will excercise for 30 minutes at least three days a week.

• SMART goal

• Not a SMART goal

Multiple Choice

Why are timeframes important to the SMART goal process?

• prevent procrastination

• help plot a course

• Plan a halfway point to check our progress.

• reduce procrastination, help guide our course, help us identify a halfway check-in point

Multiple Choice

Sam will get a job.

• Measurable

• Timely

• Both A and B

• None of the above