Setting S.M.A.R.T Goals

Why set S.M.A.R.T. goals? How many times have you set a goal and then completely given up on it? Why did you give up on it? Usually, we give up on goals that seem overwhelming, unattainable or unrealistic. Using S.M.A.R.T. goals helps to prevent this from happening!

S is for Specific Specific goals can answer: who, what, where, when, why and how. Example: I will enhance my Personal and Intellectual Growth this semester. What’s wrong with this, and how can we fix it? Better: I will increase my GPA this year.

M is for Measurable Measurable goals can answer: how much, how many, etc. This step also identifies how you will track your progress. Example: I will increase my GPA. What’s wrong with this, and how can we fix it? Better: I will increase my GPA by .20 this semester.

A is for Attainable Attainable goals can answer: what action steps do I need to take to achieve this goal? Example: I will increase my cumulative GPA from a 1.5 to 3.5 in one semester. What’s wrong with this, and how can we fix it? Better: I will increase my cumulative GPA by at least .20 each semester, until I reach my end goal of a 3.5.

*Bonus Tip! If your goal seems daunting, break it up into individual levels or steps. Doing this will seem a lot more attainable, and before you know it you’ll have achieved something that once seemed unattainable!

R is for Relevant Realistic goals can answer: Is this the best approach to accomplish my goal? Is this going to help me achieve my ultimate goals? Example: I will study with at least nine different Pi Phi sisters each week in order to increase my GPA. What’s wrong with this, and how can we fix it? Should this be realistic?

R is for Relevant Better: I will study at least three hours for every hour of class in which I am currently enrolled. Doing so will ensure I am adequately prepared for each class by setting aside time to read, finish homework and study for tests.

T is for Timely Timely goals can answer: What’s the deadline? Do the steps I need to take fit into that time frame? Example: I will increase my cumulative GPA. What’s wrong with this, and how can we fix it? Better: I will increase my cumulative GPA by at least .20 by the end of the semester.

*Remember… You’re more likely to do something with a deadline. Without a deadline, your goal is likely to get pushed into the pile of things to do “someday.” Deadlines are an important part of goal setting!

Review the steps S M A Specific Measurable Attainable R Realistic T Timely

Now it’s your turn… With an accountability partner, practice making short-term and long-term goals. For both short and long-term goals, pick one goal that pushes you to live out one of our core values in your everyday life and one academic goal. For example, as a values-based, short-term goal you could decided to work on Sincere Friendship by taking at least three new sisters out to coffee this semester.

S M A R T At the end of the activity, you should have developed: - (1) Short-term goal relating to one of our core values (1) Short-term academic goal (1) Long-term goal relating to one of our core values (1) Long-term academic goal

Leading with Values, Pi Beta Phi's Member Development Program Setting S.M.A.R.T Goals