1. Setting Goals The “SMART” Way Presented by Riverside City College Counseling Department

2. SETTING GOALS Make your goals “SMART” S = Specific S = Specific M = Measurable M = Measurable A = Attainable A = Attainable R = Realistic R = Realistic T = Timely T = Timely

3. S PECIFIC Specific = WHAT, WHY, HOW Specific = WHAT, WHY, HOW WHAT – Are you going to do? Use action words – organize, develop, coordinate, etc. WHAT – Are you going to do? Use action words – organize, develop, coordinate, etc. WHY – is this important? WHY – is this important? HOW – are you going to accomplish this? HOW – are you going to accomplish this? Make the goal specific, clear, and easy!

4. M EASURABLE Measurable Goal: “I want to lose 10 pounds by June 1 st.” Not Measurable: “I want to become healthier.” Measurable Goal: “I want to read 50 pages by Thursday.” Not Measureable: “I want to become a better reader.” It has to be measurable or you won’t be able to tell if goal the has been met.

5. A TTAINABLE When you identify goals that are important to you, you find ways to make them happen. When you identify goals that are important to you, you find ways to make them happen. If the goals you choose are “out of reach”, you won’t commit to making that goal a reality. If the goals you choose are “out of reach”, you won’t commit to making that goal a reality.

6. R EALISTIC Realistic means “do-able”. Realistic means “do-able”. If the goal is unrealistic, you set yourself up for failure. If the goal is unrealistic, you set yourself up for failure. Realistic Goal: I am going to pass all of my classes each semester. Realistic Goal: I am going to pass all of my classes each semester. Unrealistic Goal: I will only get straight A’s each semester. Unrealistic Goal: I will only get straight A’s each semester.

7. T IMELY Set a timeframe – next week, in three months, by June 1 st, etc. Set a timeframe – next week, in three months, by June 1 st, etc. If you don’t set a timeframe – the goal is vague. If you don’t set a timeframe – the goal is vague. Without a time limit – you feel you can start working towards the goal at anytime. Without a time limit – you feel you can start working towards the goal at anytime.

8. HANDOUT - ACTIVITY