Goal-setting is a useful skill so you can strive towards an objective and have motivation for it. It can also be helpful for creating healthy habits, sticking to commitments, and doing more for the short and long-term visions of your life.
SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely.
A SMART Goal must be specific in what is being planned for. It must be measurable in progress so you can reevaluate if necessary. It should also be attainable within a certain timeframe. The goal should be relevant to what you are planning for in the long-term, and it should be time-based by having a realistic date for completion.
Using the SMART goal framework sets boundaries and defines the steps you’ll need to take, resources necessary to get there and milestones that indicate progress along the way. With SMART goals, you’re more likely to achieve your goal efficiently and effectively.
Here are some examples of SMART Goals:
- Pick up another project to improve career development in students and develop skills in written communication that can help promote these ideas in the next 6 months
- Grow my network by having at least one call/conversation each week on average this semester with an external professional contact