Setting SMART targets

SMART target setting principle is used across the range of disciplines such as business, sport, education and personal development –

because it is highly effective!

The benefits are huge:

It increases motivation and determination

It reinforces the desire to keep working and builds self-confidence

It helps you identify areas for improvement

It gives you a starting point to monitor progress

It makes you feel good about yourself

What is a SMART target?

SMART is an acronym for:

S Specific

M Measurable

A Achievable

R Realistic

T Time bound

If your target is specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound, it is

SMART .

It does take a bit of practicing to become

good at setting SMART targets.

But once you master it, it will become a habit…

And you will never again say:

“I want to lose weight” (this is an example of an un-SMART -------

target, in case you wandered…)

How do I set my own SMART targets?

When setting your targets ask yourself following five questions:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Are my targets Specific?

Are they precise and well-defined? Are they clear? Can everyone understand them? Make sure they are not too general.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Are my targets Measurable?

How will I know when the task has been completed? What evidence do I needed to confirm it? Have I stated how I judge whether it has been completed or not?

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Are my targets Achievable?

Is it within my capabilities? Have I got sufficient resources available to enable this to happen? Can it be done at all?

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Are my targets Realistic?

Is it possible for me to perform the objective? How sensible is the objective? Does it fit into the overall pattern of how I work?

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.Are my targets Timely?

Is there a deadline? Is it feasible to meet this deadline? Are there review dates?

And few more tips:

Simplify your targets.

Make them short term.

Enter them on your ILP and write them down.

Revisit them regularly.

Words to avoid when setting SMART targets:

 more improve successfully less timely effectively good communication efficiently regularly aim to

appropriate 100%

Here are some examples:

I will complete minimum of 60 work placement hours over next two weeks to meet the course and progression requirement.

This is a good target but you have to remember to enter the date in the appropriate box on your ILP.

Improve my attendance This is not a SMART target. The word ‘improve’

isn’t measurable.

Attend every lesson for the next two weeksThis is a good target if you are struggling with

attendance.

Maintain 100% attendance for the next four weeks to win ‘100% attendance challenge’.This is a good target whether you are struggling

with attendance or not.

I will improve my spelling by the end of this year. This is not a SMART target as it is neither specific

nor measurable.

Practice spelling five words from the spelling list each day until the end of May. This target meets all the SMART criteria!

Achieve Distinction for all units at the end of the year. This is not a SMART target as it may not be

realistic and it is too long term. You need to break it down into series of shorter term targets such as following:

Complete and submit Unit 3 D1 task by Wednesday.This is a SMART target!

I will make an effort to contribute towards class discussions. This is not a SMART target as effort can’t be

measured.

I will make a voluntary contribution to class discussion in our next Tutorial session.This is a SMART target.

Attend at least four university open days over the summer.

Complete the Personal, Additional Information, Student Finance, Employment and Education sections on my UCAS form by next Wednesday

Submit second draft of my personal statement by the end of week

All of the above are SMART targets!

Your SLA will help you with target setting and

make sure your targets are SMART.