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SMART is an acronym to help with realistic goal setting. Use it as a tool to develop goals for yourself—they could be goals for your career, your studies at Walden, or even your personal life. Goals built around these criteria are more likely to be met because they are focused, realistic, and actionable.
Click each button to learn about each element in a SMART goal.
When setting a goal, be specific about what you would like to achieve. Think about how you might reach your goal, as well as what you hope to gain by achieving it.
I want to be a better student.
This is a vague goal. Without further definition, it will be difficult to achieve. To improve this goal, ask: Why do I want to be a better student How can I become a better student?
This term, I will focus on improving my probability skills and earn at least a B in my statistics course.
This goal is much more specific. It includes a focused definition of what it means to be a better student (for this student, earning at least a B) and considers what can be gained by achieving this goal (improved statistics skills).
Realistic, effective goals offer a way to measure your progress. Measurable goals also clearly indicate when you have succeeded in achieving your goal.
I want to be in better health.
This goal can’t be measured. What does it mean to be in better health, and how will you know when you’ve achieved it?
I will improve my physical health by riding my bike to work at least three times per week.
This goal is measurable. It will be achieved when you successfully ride your bike to work a minimum of three times per week.
Set goals that are feasible, realistic, and within reach. Goals should be challenging but not unattainable—otherwise, you may be setting yourself up to fail.
I am going to write 25 pages of my dissertation each week, so that I can finish within 6 weeks.
This goal is likely unachievable. Dissertations are meant to be written over long periods of time, taking time for feedback, revisions, and necessary process steps.
For the entire month of January, I will dedicate at least one, distraction-free hour per day to writing my dissertation.
While still challenging, this goal is more realistic. If all goes well, at the end of January, you can commit yourself to another month of daily writing or adjust your goal to better suit your lifestyle and obligations.
Goals should reflect your values and long-term objectives. Avoid setting goals that may distract from, or that don’t directly contribute to, the achievement of more urgent, overarching aims.
I want to write a novel before I turn 40.
For career authors and creative writers, this might be a realistic and relevant goal. However, if you are actively pursuing a Master’s in Nursing in order to further an established career in the health field, focusing on a novel might be distracting and counterproductive.
I will complete my Master’s of Nursing within three years by taking two online classes per term.
Again, if you are a Master’s of Nursing student, it makes sense to set a goal that is directly related to your long-term academic and professional objectives.
When you set a goal, establish a target deadline or timeframe, as well. Deadlines help you stay motivated and focused on achieving your goal.
I want to run a marathon.
This goal may be achievable, but without a timeframe, it doesn’t mean much. Many of us want to run a marathon someday; fewer of us commit to and train for a specific event.
I will adhere to the Runner’s World 16-week training schedule, so that I am prepared to run the Boston Marathon on April 15th.
This goal is specific, measurable, achievable, and time-bound. It includes a deadline, which is tied to a particular event, and a realistic training plan.
GRID CONTENT
When creating a SMART goal, it is essential to develop a detailed action plan alongside it. Having a plan in place can help keep you focused on your goal.
Break your goal down into smaller, manageable steps, each with specific action items and a deadline.
Identify the resources you will need, such as books, software, or equipment.
Identify your support systems, which may include faculty, family, friends, fellow students, or university services.
Anticipate potential obstacles and brainstorm solutions to overcome them.
DETAILS CONTENT
Action Items
Deadline
Resources Needed
Support
Potential Obstacles
Possible Solutions
Define the paper topic and thesis statement
End of Week 1
Library databases, course materials, sample papers
Professor
OASIS
Topic too broad or narrow
Difficulty forming a clear thesis
Attend professor office hours to discuss topic
Attend an OASIS Live Session with a Writing Specialist
Collect and organize sources
End of Week 2
Library databases
Research guides
Note-taking system
Overwhelming amount of information
Disorganized research materials
Attend an OASIS Live Session with a Librarian
Use citation management software
Create a detailed outline
End of Week 3
Sample outlines
Difficulty creating a logical structure
Attend professor office hours to discuss outline
Complete the first full draft
End of Week 4
Completed research notes and outline
Note-taking software
APA style guide
Peers
Difficulty synthesizing information
Writer's block
Procrastination
Maintaining a consistent writing style
Create concept maps
Use pomodoro technique to schedule longer writing blocks with breaks
Schedule an APA Rapid Review
Revise and edit content based on feedback
End of Week 5
First draft
Feedback notes
Grammar checker
Grammarly
Receiving critical feedback
Missing errors in own writing
Approach feedback with a growth mindset
Schedule a Connect and Chat session with a Peer Mentor
Schedule a paper review
Final review, proofreading, and submission
End of Week 6
Submission guidelines
Customer Care Team
Technology issues
Time crunch
Back up work in multiple locations
Complete 2 days before deadline
Regularly evaluating whether you’re on track with your SMART goals is crucial for maintaining progress and motivation. This practice allows you to acknowledge your achievements and address any opportunities for improvement before they escalate into major obstacles.
Use your action items and deadlines to measure progress.
Celebrate milestones along the way to your larger goal (like when you complete an action item!).
Sometimes an action plan or goal might need to be modified as you respond to new information, incorporate feedback, or adapt to new life obligations. Stay flexible and adjust when you need to, keeping your primary goal in mind.
We often set goals to help us organize our lives and achieve a sense of accomplishment. By setting effective goals, we can achieve remarkable things, such as starting our own business, completing a 5K or marathon, or earning our degree. Healthy goal-setting can lead to increased productivity and a greater sense of achievement. So, remember to make your goals SMART!
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