Identify and explain the acronym S.M.A.R.T. as used in goal setting theory. Give an example of a S.M.A.R.T. goal from your own life.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Student examples will vary but should demonstrate understanding of S.M.A.R.T. goal setting. A sample answer follows.

The S.M.A.R.T. acronym summarizes many beneficial goal characteristics, standing for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Results-Based, and Time-Sensitive. (Although that acronym is a useful reminder, note that it omits the all-important "Difficult" characteristic.)

I set a S.M.A.R.T. goal to complete my degree in three years. It is specific because it tells exactly what I am doing; it is measurable because when I complete my credits I will have earned my degree; it is achievable because many people finish in three years; it is results-based because if I do not pass my classes, I will not achieve it; and it is time-sensitive because it has to be done in three years.