Annabel and Erika are college freshmen taking up a bachelor’s degree in Accountancy. Whereas both of the girls have exemplary records in their respective high schools (both of them graduated on top of their class), anyone who has read the girls’ assignment on their respective goal in college could easily predict that Erika will do better. Compared to Annabel’s “I’m gonna do well in class” goal, Erika bravely has her eyes set on the goal of “Managing my time well to be able to get a 3.4 grade-point average in all my subjects”.

Obviously, Erika knows about educational smart goals. Just an FYI, SMART goal is an acronym for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound goals. Here are a few examples of educational smart goals:

• Educational smart goals are specific—there is no room for vague goals which are overwhelming and unachievable. Your goals need to be detailed, concise and clear. Instead of saying “I’m going to study better”, an educational smart goal says “I will devote 2 hours every night to do my schoolwork”. The educational smart goal version of “I’m going to finish my term paper” is “I will begin doing my term paper a month before the deadline.”

• Educational smart goals are measurable. Time frames, dates, amounts – anything that could measure your success – are essential as they provide the means to help you determine whether you have attained your goal. Rather than aiming for “better grades”, target a particular grade-point average by the end of the semester.

• Educational smart goals are attainable. Take action not a reaction—in short, be realistic in your goals. Graduating on top of the class may be unlikely if your consistently on probation or if your average is just 2.2. Try aiming for a 3.0 instead—with a lot of effort that is more realistic.

• Educational smart goals are relevant. Goals need be set up with a clear purpose. If your goal is to ace your mid-term exam in biology that is four days away, don’t get distracted by starting on your home reading report that is not due for another week.

• Educational smart goals are time-bound. Goals need to have a starting point, a time frame and an ending point. Working on a detailed thesis paper is praiseworthy, but not if you only have one week to finish it.

If you want quality and consistent improvement in your life, goal setting is a process you must master. And students are not exempted from this fact. Knowing how to set goals is an indispensable capability for students. But what is even more essential is that students make their goals smart. Indeed, goal setting is an important skill students must have—and it is a most daunting thing to master. But taking time to make your educational goals specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound might make all the difference. Here we have more smart goals examples to give you a better idea of how you can apply this to your daily routine.

Mr. Stewart gave each of us a piece of paper with an instruction to write one of our life’s goals. After ten minutes, he collected the papers. You know what? Every piece of paper was crumpled except for Annie’s –“By September 2nd of 2009, I will position myself for a minimum raise of 9% of my salary by reducing the department’s budget by 9% but increasing its sales by at least 9%”. Then, with a smile, Mr. Stewart said: “Ladies and gentlemen, we have an example of a smart goal version of saying I want a raise!”

Smart goals? Yes, you heard it right. Here are some 101’s on these goals and some examples of smart goals:

• Specific. You know what you want to accomplish. Vague goals equate to vague results. Goals must be fully furnished with detailed description of the what, when and how.

Vague goal – I will graduate;
SMART Goal – I will graduate Magna Cum Laude in four years time. I will commit myself to studying to get a minimum 3.679 grade-point average in all my subjects.

• Measurable. You can assess your progress. Goals which can not be measured can not be managed. Your goal is measurable if anyone can tell you at the end of the deadline, whether or not you have completed your goal.

Vague goal – I want to be successful;
SMART goal – I want to have a savings account with at least $500,000 within 5 years from this date.

• Attainable. Your goal must be within your reach in your present situation. High goals that stretch you are okay, but high AND realistic goals are better. Unattainable goals can not motivate you. Easy goals on the other hand are not challenging enough. Thus, they do not contribute to your growth.

Vague goal – I want to be rich in three months;
SMART goal – I want to be rich in 8 years by starting my own food business and attending business and management seminars and workshops.

• Relevant. Goals need to be parallel to your purpose in life. Relevant goals are a sure way to direct your efforts towards attaining something that is concentrated to who you are as a person. Goals are simply instruments to accomplishing one’s mission/purpose in life.

Vague goal – Within a year, I will become a politician with large sums of money at my disposal;
SMART goal – By the end of the year, I will become a leader who will fight to increase productivity and tourism in my country.

• Time-Sensitive. Goals need to have deadlines. A goal free from time element is susceptible to procrastination.

Vague goal – I will do my research paper;
SMART goal – I will start doing my research paper by 7 tonight and finish it by 7 pm on the next day.

The aforementioned illustrates how you can make your goals smart. There are also examples of smart goals contrasted with vague goals above. Yes, success depends on goal setting—but not just plain goal setting. You have to make your goals smart!

And for you? What are your examples of smart goals?