That's Goals : How to SMART your goals

Setting goals is hard, especially when you are on the go all the time. But as college students. we must learn how to set goals, even in small things...

Photo by Estée Janssens on Unsplash

Time is really flying by because April is already upon us, and its finals time for me. It seems like the past three months have flew by, but I hope your goals and resolutions for 2018 did not leave as fast as the months did (yeah, I’m looking at you).

Well no matter if you have forgotten your goals already, or if you’re still going strong, I am here to remind you about SMART goal setting, and how to actual start achieving these goals!

Alright, so let's look at some goals and ways to achieve them, okay?

First, what are SMART goals?

SMART goals are :

• Specific

• Measurable

• Achievable

• Relevant

• Time bound

You want to make sure that your goal is something that you care about, has a specific purpose, you have the means to reach your goal, and that you put a time limit on your goals. Having your goals fit these criteria help make them more efficient. It's no good to have a goal, but don't have anything to keep you in check to actually accomplish them. Below, I give some examples and some ways to actually achieve these goals.

Goal Example: I want to start off my semester right by completing each assignment due early.

Methods to achieve:

• Put into your agenda that each assignment is due a day earlier than it actually is.

• Set an alarm for you to do your assignments at the same time each day.

• Print out your syllabus and place it somewhere in eyesight for everyday reference.

• Do end-of-the-week checkpoints : check to see which assignments you completed on time, which assignments are you ahead on, and look forward to next week for what assignments are coming up.

Goal Example: I want to meet more diverse people on campus by the end of the semester.

Methods to achieve:

• Join clubs this semester that may be out of your comfort zone, but still holds some interest to you.

• Talk to the people that sits beside you in class (you will be surprised how many people don’t talk to their seatmates….AT ALL)

• Attend some of the different culture programs hosted

• Be nice... say hi when you're walking by people ( you'll be amazed how many conversations this act can start.)

Goal Example: I want to find my passion this year.

So first, this goal is a little broad, but I can try to offer some steps to help reach it!

• Be honest with yourself about what you seem to natural cling to, and what you do not.

• Take days to yourself to think and organize your mind, without being distracted by others.

• If you still have Gen-Ed’s to take, then take one that explores a topic you have always been interested in.

• Most important, if you already have an idea of something you may be passionate about…GO FOR IT! DO NOT HOLD BACK! You will never know where your talents can take you if you don’t try ☺

Tell me down below, what are some of your SMART goals and what steps are you taking to reach them?