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Step 1
Specific. Don't make a generalized goal. "I want to do good in my class." is not as good as saying "At the end of the semester I want an A in my class."
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Step 2
Measurable. Your goal should have results that you can quantify. "I want to write more eHow articles." lacks results that you can look at compared to "I'm going to write 5 articles a week."
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Step 3
Achievable. Make sure your goals are practical and can be done if you apply yourself. Don't create a goal completely out of your reach.
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Step 4
Reasonable. Take into consideration what exactly you can do. Ability, time, money, prior commitments, etc. are all important factors. Sure, I might want to write 100 eHow articles a week, but is that really feasible?
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Step 5
Timely. Put a time frame to your goal. Make sure it is a reasonable amount of time to complete an objective, not too long or too short. That way at the end you can see if you completed what you set out to do. You'll have the motivation and drive to start, and a sense of urgency.
Comments
MrBB said
on 4/9/2009 This is good. I like Acronyms.
Delaplane said
on 3/12/2009 Great ideas for students and professionals alike!
teachermom2 said
on 3/11/2009 We do this at work every year...I should do it for my writing too. Well done.
joni04 said
on 2/21/2009 This is a really good idea. Very well written ***** for you!
LissaK said
on 2/16/2009 "S.M.A.R.T goals" I like that, did you come up with that on your own? That's cool, I love acronyms and this article as well. :)