Smart goals encourage planning, consistency, and outcome. Creating goals that are not maintainable can feel overwhelming, but S.M.A.R.T goals enforce time frames and regulations that help break down a big task to become achievable--using these tips may help better achieve your goal. You can apply the S.M.A.R.T layout to internships, habits, projects, or anything you are trying to achieve. Making your goals clearer and easier to follow through. Let’s break it down.

Specific

Specificity is used to explain the details of the goal. The 5 W’s—Who, What, When, Where, Why—should be expanded on here. Being clear with what you want to achieve is important so you can remind yourself of what you are working towards. It also limits the exceptions you can make for yourself making it clear who is involved and what needs to be changed.

Measurable

Measurable is for determining milestones. Being able to define how to mark progress will keep you motivated to continue towards your goal. It will also create an outline for tracking how far you have to go, along with how close you are to achieving your goal. That feeling of accomplishment will come when you have obtained clear, measurable goals. Making goals measurable are key to success.

Attainable

Attainable helps keep goals realistic and manageable. Attainability ensures that goals can be obtained and successful. While it may be challenging, or time consuming it is important to allow goals to be completed so you continue to stay motivated towards them and know they are achievable. The success of these small goals will encourage you to continue setting goals and reach an impressive outcome.

Relevant

Making goals relevant to you and your purpose is essential to maintaining and setting goals.

Determining the purpose behind them, personal investment, what you will gain, or how it will benefit you is key. Making sure that it has a positive impact on yourself to remind you why you continue to seek success within it.

Time-Bound

Time bound requires frequent check-ins and deadlines. Think about when you want to achieve your goal, but don’t forget to take a moment to consider what realistically fits in your schedule to set smaller benchmarks to achieve it.

Application

Outlining your goals to the S.M.A.R.T method ensures better planning and better achievability. Applying this to school, jobs, finances, or even personal goals is beneficial.

We suggest journaling, telling a friend, or having a tracker to hold yourself accountable and remain motivated.