Goals are  S M  A R T

S  Specifically set in writing( behavior/act/date)

• To elevate them from a dream, hope or wish to a specific goal

• To think through ideas more thoroughly,  & see them more clearly &    specifically

• To  explore & discover a clearer view of our role, mission, goal, aim...in life 

• There is permanence , non-changeability & seriousness in writing

• That which gets written gets done.   Include a "done/deadline date."

• Remember the journalist's questions

  Who will be doing the behavior ? What will be behavior be?             When will it happen? Where will it happen? How often will it happen?

  Me Review notes First thing in the morning In my favorite chair 5 times a week

M Measured

Measures goals state what you want and when you want it
Note:  It is not enough to state, "I will be a good student."
Your progress & success cannot be measured  with such a vague goal.
A measurable goal is, "I will review my notes 5 X a week for 30 minutes."

• Goals should be written in measurable units; that which gets measured gets done.

• Continually measure and chart your sub-goals; goal  achievement improves when  performance is monitored.

• Behaviors that are rewarded or rewarding increase.

A Affirmative, and attainable while anticipating setbacks

Focus on the affirmative and attainable.

.Affirmation:

• Affirmation; a statement that confirms the truth of something
• Imaging:   a corresponding  mental image, picture, visualization or vision
• Continually imagine yourself  achieving your goal, be it shooting a basket or dazzling with an oral presentation, so that when it occurs it reality, it will be easy and nothing new  because you've already "been there" so many times before.

R Realistic

Make sure your goal is realistically attainable.
Is it realistic to lost 5 pounds a week?

If your goals are realistic & you attain them, then you will feel proud of yourself, having good self-esteem. This fuels the momentum success breeds success.

If your goals are unrealistic, they may  be unachievable, which leads to low self-esteem and a loss of momentum.

T Tied to the heart of your being in a personal way.

Goals deepen in meaning as they become personal and meaningful to you. 
Only your hear of hearts knows what is appropriate for you at this unique time in your life. 

Make sure your goal is balanced and worth pursuing, so that it will infinitely enrich your life. 

• Too easy – no satisfaction or pride (I'll pass all courses)
• Too hard – frustrated & give up      (I'll get all As)

1 Write   your goals

• To elevate them from a dream, hope or wish to a specific goal

• To think through ideas more thoroughly,  & see them more clearly & specifically

• To  explore & discover a clearer view of our role, mission, goal, aim...in life

• There is permanence , non-changeability & seriousness in writing

• That which gets written gets done.   Include a "done/deadline date."

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2.  Specific & Measurable (behavior/action/date)

Note:  It is not enough to state, "I will be a good student."
Your progress & success cannot be measured  with such a vague goal.
A measurable goal is, "I will review my notes 5 X a week for 30 minutes."

• Goals should be written in measurable units; that which gets measured gets done.

• Continually measure and chart your sub-goals; goal  achievement improves when  performance is monitored.

• Behaviors that are rewarded or rewarding increase.
  

3. Affirmative &  Attainable

Focus on the affirmative and attainable.

Tip: Find the proper balance to make goals meaningful & worthwhile

• Too easy – no satisfaction or pride (I'll pass all courses)
• Too hard – frustrated & give up      (I'll get all As)

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4. Anticipate obstacles & setbacks

• Treat setbacks as temporary & opportunity to learn
• Avoid specific situation that causes you to slip
• Prepare alternatives - if I can't do it at 1PM, I will do it after supper & not go to bed until it's completed.     Be firm, flexible, & optimistic when  rescheduling

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5.Support your goal with  imaging and affirmations

• Imaging:   a mental image, picture, visualization or vision
• Affirmation; a statement that confirms the truth of something
• Continually imagine yourself  achieving your goal, be it shooting a basket or dazzling with an oral presentation, so that when it occurs it reality, it will be easy and nothing new  because you've already "been there" so many times before.

Now your are ready to explore your goals. Visit the journal activities/chart.