The SMART framework for goal setting

8th February 2008

posted in random |

Goal setting is VERY important, not only for academic or professional success but also for life in general. I am a firm believer that students who have a goal-orientation in life tend to think at least a bit more about their actions inside and outside the classroom during their teenage years than kids who don’t have any idea what they want to do with their life down the road.

In college I remember learning (and having to memorize) “The Six Dynamics of Goal Setting.” These included things like set high but achievable goals, be realistic, expect frustration, and persevere despite frustration. I can only remember four of the six items, so perhaps the other two elements weren’t as important. (Clearly they were not as memorable.)

I’ve been more recently acquainted with the S.M.A.R.T. Goals framework, which includes setting goals that are specific, measureable, aligned, realistic, and timebound. In order to set a goal, a person or a team needs to define the tasks, the targets, the time frames, prioritize tasks, and then coordinate resources to accomplish the tasks.

I like these guidelines for goal setting. As you set your own goals, and work with students in setting both personal and academic goals, you might consider using these elements as a framework. WikiPedia has an article on “SMART (project management)” which may also be of interest with respect to goal setting.

Technorati Tags:
goal, goals, setting

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1 On February 10th, 2008, What a Writer is Reading on the Web, 2/10/08 | Real Words said:

[...] The SMART Framework for Goal Setting [...]

2 On February 10th, 2008, Kim said:

I stumbled on a web site for a Master’s course, but ironically I teach life skills to inner city children, part of which include goal setting. We use the “D.O.R.A.” model (Define, Obstacles, Resources, Action). I think it works well because they’re so young and it’s more developmentally appropriate, but I will consider applying the SMART model in the future.

3 On February 11th, 2008, Jon Ingham said:

I agree with the power of objectives but I think SMART tends to lead to compliance not commitment. In my blog, I suggest MUSIC instead:

http://strategic-hcm.blogspot.com/2008/01/music-not-measurement-in-performance.html

4 On February 12th, 2008, Richard Sheehy said:

I recommend that you also check out the Manager Tools podcast. They have a three part series on goal setting.

Part 1
http://www.manager-tools.com/2007/12/how-to-set-annual-goals-part-1-of-3/
Part 2
http://www.manager-tools.com/2008/01/how-to-set-annual-goals-part-2-of-3/
Part 3
http://www.manager-tools.com/2008/01/how-to-set-annual-goals-part-3-of-3/

Best regards,
Richard
Learn2Day.com