Goals are easy to talk about. Sticking with them? That’s where things usually get complicated. That’s why setting SMART goals matters. This approach can help you turn vague ideas into something clear and doable. These aren’t just wishes like ‘do better in school’ or ‘be more productive’, though. You actually lay out a path that shows you how you can achieve your goals.
This article will talk about what SMART goals are and how you can start applying them to your own life. And if academic writing is part of what you’re working on - essays, personal statements, anything with a deadline - EssayHub can help. Just ask, ‘Write my essay,’ and our professionals can help you get your thoughts on paper.
What are SMART Goals?
In this context, the acronym SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Each part of the word gives your aspirations shape so they’re realistic to reach and easy to track.
- S – Specific: The goal focuses on one clear thing.
- M – Measurable: You can track your progress in a real way.
- A – Achievable: It’s realistic given your current time and resources.
- R – Relevant: It actually matters to you and what you’re working toward.
- T – Time-bound: There’s a deadline that keeps you on track.
SMART Goals Templates
Below you’ll find three solid examples of SMART goals that you can use or adapt to match your own aspirations. You can also see how exactly they check every SMART box.
1. Go to the Campus Gym Twice a Week for the Next Month
This goal allows you to start building a new routine without going overboard.
- Specific: Go to the gym two times a week.
- Measurable: Count your visits each week.
- Achievable: Two sessions fit into most schedules.
- Relevant: It maintains your physical health and your level of energy.
- Time-bound: You’ll continue doing it for a month.
2. Finish Reading One Book Related to Your Major by the End of the Term
Stay engaged with your field outside of class and understand what you're studying better.
- Specific: One book related to your major.
- Measurable: You’ll track it once it’s finished.
- Achievable: You can read it bit by bit over the term.
- Relevant: It has a direct link to your academic goals.
- Time-bound: The end of the term sets the deadline.
3. Write Three Scholarship Essays in the Next Two Weeks
This is a perfect SMART goal if you’re tackling financial aid deadlines or prepping for college admissions.
- Specific: You are only writing three essays.
- Measurable: You can count each essay.
- Achievable: Three essays in two weeks is realistic.
- Relevant: Supports future education.
- Time-bound: You have two weeks to complete the goal.
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SMART Goals for Students
Students are constantly being pulled in every direction. Clear goals are especially needed when you already have so many different things on your plate. SMART goals help you figure out what you want to achieve without getting overwhelmed.
SMART Goal of Raising GPA from 2.8 to 3.2 by End of Next Semester
If your grades could use a little extra hand, this goal carves out a clear path to your goal. You’re setting a clear number to aim for. A jump like this is possible in one semester with steady effort, and it’s also a step toward future scholarships.
SMART Goal of Joining One Student Organization by the End of the Month
You don’t necessarily have to sign up for everything just to get involved. You can simply pick one student group and join it so you can connect with new people and build campus life. By giving yourself a month, you keep things realistic.
SMART Goals for Professionals
Personal development and full-time work don’t always leave room for each other. SMART goals give you the structure you need to move forward without burning yourself out.
SMART Goal of Completing a Project Management Certification Within 90 Days
This is a practical place to start if you’ve been thinking about upskilling but are unsure how to go about it.
SMART Goal of Growing LinkedIn Network by 100 New Connections in 60 Days
This kind of goal makes an often-vague networking task a little more manageable. A few new connections a day add up quickly, and by the end of two months, you’ll have a stronger network on LinkedIn.
SMART Goals for Teachers
A teacher’s job comes with a million moving parts. It’s easy to push your own goals aside when you’ve already got lesson plans and student needs on your plate. Teachers can use SMART goals to bring the important things back into focus.
SMART Goal of Helping 80% of Math Students Improve Scores by at Least 15% in 10 Weeks
If your class feels a little off and students seem tuned out, this goal helps you shake things up. Try one new way to get them engaged each week; just small tweaks that feel right for your group.
SMART Goal of Completing One Certified Online PD Course
Professional development doesn’t have to take over your schedule. Choose one course that fits your subject or teaching style. You’ll stay up to date and earn a credential that supports your goals.
SMART Goals for Personal Growth
It’s easy to say you want to work on yourself. But these goals often remain something you’ll keep daydreaming about until you give them some kind of shape. SMART goals turn these good intentions into real plans you can stick with.
SMART Goal for Building a Relationship
Rebuild a relationship with someone you’ve been meaning to reach out to without making it feel overwhelming. Even one quick message or call per week is enough to reconnect without the relationship feeling forced.
SMART Goal for Reading 12 Books in 12 Months
One book a month doesn’t take over your schedule. Before you know it, reading becomes something you actually look forward to. If you’ve been telling yourself you’ll read more but never quite get to it, this goal makes it manageable.
How to Write SMART Goals
It’s one thing to say you want to accomplish something. It’s another to actually make it happen. That’s why SMART goals work so well: they shape your ideas into something you can act on. Progress is a lot easier when your goal is clear and time-bound.
S for Specific
The more focused your goal is, the better. You should be able to say clearly what you’re working toward without leaving anything open-ended. A specific goal leaves no confusion about what you're actually trying to do.
M for Measurable
You want to know if you’re making progress. The only way to do that is by making your goal measurable. That could mean finding a way to track whatever it is that you do to achieve the goal. You’ll see how much easier it is to stay motivated when you can see the progress.
A for Achievable
Ambition is great. Necessary, even. But many people make the mistake of setting the standard so high that the goal stops being realistic. A manageable goal challenges you but also fits into your day-to-day life. You’re more likely to stick with something that feels possible, not overwhelming.
R for Relevant
Your goal should matter to you. If it doesn’t connect to what you care about or doesn’t feel important, it won’t stick. It’s the relevance that keeps you motivated when things start to get hard. So, take a second to ask yourself why it matters before committing to anything.
T for Time-Bound
A goal without a deadline will always be pushed away. Even with a short deadline, you give yourself a sense of urgency that makes you move forward.
To Sum Up
Goals only work when they’re realistic. That’s exactly the kind of objectives SMART goals help you set. They turn vague ideas into something you can actually work toward without feeling lost or overwhelmed. You will be able to figure out where exactly you’re going and what tools you’ll need to get there.
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FAQ
How Do You Write a SMART Goal?
What Are The 5 SMART Goals Examples?
Samuel Gorbold, a seasoned professor with over 30 years of experience, guides students across disciplines such as English, psychology, political science, and many more. Together with EssayHub, he is dedicated to enhancing student understanding and success through comprehensive academic support.
University of California. (2016). SMART Goals: a How to Guide. University of California. https://www.ucop.edu/local-human-resources/_files/performance-appraisal/How+to+write+SMART+Goals+v2.pdf
