1. How can I use the SMART strategy to set short- range, mid-range, and long-range goals?

2. Types of Goals: Length Short-Range goals: can be accomplished in short time (within a day or a few weeks) Example: I will exercise for 30 minutes today. Mid-Range Goals: take several weeks to several months Example: We will raise $2000 for our AVID trip by March 1 st. Long-Range Goals: may take several years or even decades to accomplish Example: I will graduate high school with a 3.7 GPA or higher in May, 2016.

3. Visualize It! “If I can see it, then I can do it. If I just believe it, there’s nothing to it.” R. Kelly One of the most important steps in accomplishing your goal is to visualize it. Close your eyes and picture what it will be like to accomplish the goal. Picture yourself progressing towards your goal along the way. Don’t just picture it in your mind. Write it down, or create a poster, and post it somewhere you will see it every day!

4. SMART Goals Goals should be: Specific Measurable Achievable Relevant Time-based

5. Specific Goals need to be specific. Poor Example: "I will get good grades" is not specific. Good Example: “I will earn above an 80% in math on the next quiz”, or “I will raise my science grade one letter before the end of the marking period" is specific.

6. Measurable Goals need to be measurable. When you get to the end of the time for your goal, you should be able to check off whether you accomplished it or not. There should be no question. Poor example: “I will study more” – cannot measure this Good example: “I will review and revise my Humanities notes for at least 20 minutes every time I take notes in class. The second example is measurable because we can go back and look to see the revisions in the notes.

7. Achievable Achievable: adj. Can be done, realistic If you don’t set an achievable goal, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Poor Goal: “…to score a touchdown during every game this season.” (But I don’t even start each game) Better Goal: “…earn a starting position at running back by the end of the regular season this year.”

8. Relevant adj. Connected with the matter in hand In other words, your goal should be important to you! If your long-range goal is to become a violinist, but you don’t ever practice because you find it boring…you may not be passionate about playing violin anymore. This goal doesn’t make sense any more and should be forgotten.

9. Time-Framed Goals need to have a time frame. Set a time/date that you must complete your goal by -or- Set a specific time/day for you to work on your goal each week/month -or- Set a certain number of times you will work on your goal each day/week/month Poor Goal: I will study during the week. Better Goal: I will study my notes for at least 15 minutes, twice a week for the next three weeks. Poor Goal: I will save $100 to purchase a new phone. Better Goal: I will save $100 by February 14 th.