Page 71 - Keys To Community College Success

KEY 2.2 Work SMART toward an important goal.

GOAL: To decide on a major.
SMART GOAL HOW TO ENGAGE EACH
CHARACTERISTICS CHARACTERISTIC EXAMPLE
Specific Describe exactly how you will I will read the list of available majors, meet with my academic advisor,
achieve your goal. talk with instructors, and choose a major by the deadline.
Measurable Find ways to measure your progress I will set alarms on my smartphone to remind me of when I should
over time. have accomplished each step. I will ask my mom to check in to make
sure I’m getting somewhere.
Achievable Set a goal that your abilities and I’m driven to declare a major because I want to earn my degree,
drive can handle. graduate, and gain work-ready skills.
Realistic Define a goal that is workable given Because I’m starting early and already know how the process works,
the resources (time and money) and I should have time to think through this carefully.
other circumstances.
Time frame Set up a time frame for achieving I have a year until the deadline. I will read the catalog in the next
you goal and identify the steps for month; I will meet with my advisor by the end of the term; I will talk
working toward it. with instructors at the beginning of next term; and I will declare a
major by the end of next term.

■ Achievable. Determine whether the goal aligns with your interests and values.
Then, reflect on whether you have the skills or resources needed. If you’re missing MAJOR or
something, plan out how to get it. CONCENTRATION
■ Realistic. Make sure your risks are reasonable and calculated. Create deadlines An academic subject area
that will help you stay on track without making you feel rushed. Avoid the strug- specialization, requiring a
chosen as a field of
gle of a timeline that is too short. specific course of study.
■ Time frame linked. All goals need a time frame so you have something to work
toward. If a goal is “a dream with a deadline,” then without the deadline, your
goal is only a dream.
Key 2.2 illustrates how to apply SMART goal-setting to an
important goal that nearly every college student needs to achieve:
declaring a major or concentration (for the sake of simplicity, the
term “major” will appear in this text).
Setting goals is only the start. The real risk is in working toward
them, and the real reward is in reaching them. Follow these steps,
noting where your SMART system actions fit in.

■ Step 1: Define an achievable, realistic goal. What do you want?
Write out a clear description.
■ Step 2: Define an action plan. How will you get there? Brain-
storm different paths. Choose one; then map out its steps.
Break a long-term goal into short-term subgoals.
■ Step 3: Link your goal to a time frame. When do you want to
accomplish your goal? Define a realistic time frame. Create
specific deadlines for each step on the path.
■ Step 4: Identify resources and support. What and who will keep
you on track? Use helpful web sites or apps. Find people who
will push you in a supportive way.
■ Step 5: Be accountable. How will you assess your progress?
Create a system to measure how you move toward your goal,
keeping your time frame in mind.

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