Set SMART Goals
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What you will learn
- 1Define the SMART goal framework
- 2Identify each letter of SMART and what it means
- 3Distinguish between SMART and non-SMART goals
- 4Put the five SMART letters in order and say what each means
Mini Lesson
A goal is something you want to achieve. But not all goals are equal — some are vague and hard to follow, while others are clear and actionable. SMART goals are a powerful framework that makes goals specific, trackable, and achievable.
What Does SMART Stand For?
- S — Specific: Your goal says exactly what you want to achieve. "Get better at my lessons" is vague. "Read one chapter book every week" is specific.
- M — Measurable: You can track your progress with numbers, checkpoints, or clear evidence.
- A — Achievable: The goal is realistic for you right now — challenging but not impossible.
- R — Relevant: The goal matters to you and connects to something important in your life.
- T — Time-bound: There is a clear deadline — a date by which you will achieve the goal.
SMART vs Non-SMART Goals
- Non-SMART: "I want to get better at math." — vague, no plan, no deadline.
- SMART: "I will practice 10 math problems every day for 2 weeks to improve my multiplication speed." — specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound.
Why SMART Goals Work
- They break big ambitions into clear, manageable actions.
- The deadline creates motivation — you know exactly what date to aim for.
- Measuring progress shows you how far you have come and keeps you going.
- When a goal is relevant to you, you are more committed to achieving it.
Words to know
goal
Something you want to achieve, often through effort and planning.
specific
Clear and detailed — saying exactly what, who, when, or where.
measurable
Able to be tracked or counted so you know when you have succeeded.
achievable
Realistic and possible for you to accomplish with effort.
relevant
Connected to something that matters to you and your life.
deadline
A fixed date or time by which something must be completed.
Tip: Write your SMART goal down and put it where you can see it. Seeing it daily keeps you focused.
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