S.M.A.R.T.E.R. Goals

1. S.M.A.R.T.E.R. Goals Writing goals that work!

2. What does S.M.A.R.T.E.R. stand for? S pecific M easurable A ttainable R ealistic T imely E nthusiasm R eward

3. Specific- A specific goal has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general goal. To set a specific goal you must answer the six "W" questions: *Who: Who is involved? *What: What do I want to accomplish? *Where: Identify a location. *When: Establish a time frame (keep it short term at first). *Which: Identify requirements and constraints. *Why: Specific reasons, purpose or benefits of accomplishing the goal. EXAMPLE: A general goal would be, "Get an A in Science." But a specific goal would say, "Read and study my Science notes and textbook for 10 minutes each night."

4. Measurable- Establish concrete criteria for measuring progress toward the attainment of each goal you set. When you measure your progress, you stay on track, reach your target dates, and experience the exhilaration of achievement that spurs you on to continued effort required to reach your goal. To determine if your goal is measurable, ask questions such as......How much? How many? How will I know when it is accomplished?

5. Attainable - When you identify goals that are most important to you, you begin to figure out ways you can make them come true. You develop the attitudes, abilities, skills, and financial capacity to reach them. You begin seeing previously overlooked opportunities to bring yourself closer to the achievement of your goals.

6. Realistic - To be realistic, a goal must represent an objective toward which you are both willing and able to work. A goal can be both high and realistic; you are the only one who can decide just how high your goal should be. But be sure that every goal represents substantial progress. A high goal is frequently easier to reach than a low one because a low goal exerts low motivational force. Some of the hardest jobs you ever accomplished actually seem easy simply because they were also fun. Your goal is probably realistic if you truly believe that it can be accomplished. Additional ways to know if your goal is realistic is to determine if you have accomplished anything similar in the past or ask yourself what conditions would have to exist to accomplish this goal.

7. Timely - A goal is timely when you can reach it within a specific amount of time. Keep the time you choose for your goals short at the beginning. Example: Not talking out in class for 5 days. Then you can develop goals with longer time frames. Example: Study Math equations, 3 times a week, for the 1st quarter. Then longer time frames: At age 17, apply for and get accepted to Amboy Tech.

8. Enthusiasm - What is the point if you're not excited? Goals won't be reached if you are not excited about reaching them...So, create & have enthusiasm!

9. Reward - After a careful evaluation then you should reward yourself. This is an important part of setting goals. Then look at the goals that need changing and continue the SMARTER goal setting process. Goal development and goal setting is process that is not set in stone. Goals change and need constant evaluation. Don't be afraid to redo or modify your goals.

10. Why do I want to be a better student? What difference would it make for me, now and in the future? (write 3 reasons for each)

11. What changes could I make in the near future? Write two short-term goals---things that realistically, you could improve in the next month.

12. What gets in the way of good grades or good studying for me? Name the things, conditions, or distractions that most often keep you from doing your best as a student.

13. What distractions am I willing to eliminate? Choose one of the interferences you wrote down that you’d be willing to try changing or getting rid of for the next month.

14. Everyone needs help! Write down who can help you reach your goals and how they can help?