Smart Goal Setting Guide Sheet (Page 2 of 2) in pdf

Writing an Effective Goal Statement

Rules for writing goal statements:

1. Use clear, specific language.

2. Start your goal statement with TO + a VERB

3. Write your goal statement using SMART Goal Criteria

4. Avoid using negative language. Think positive!

An example of a goal statement:

•

To run the mini marathon in May and complete the 10 mile race in under 1 hour to beat my personal best time.

Notice how the above example begins with the word “To”, includes the verb “run”, and tells what (the marathon), why

(to beat personal best time) and when (May).

Activity

Use this worksheet to identify the specific SMART criteria you will use to write your goal statement.

What is your basic goal? ______________________________________________________________________________

1. Is it specific? (Who? What? Where? When? Why?)

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Is it measurable? How will I measure progress? (How many? How much?)

M _______________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Is it attainable? (Can this really happen? Attainable with enough effort? What steps are involved?)

A _______________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Is it realistic? (What knowledge’s, skills, and abilities are necessary to reach

this goal?)

R _______________________________________________________________________________________________

5. Is it timebound? (Can I set fixed deadlines? What are the deadlines?)

T _______________________________________________________________________________________________

My Goal Statement

Use the SMART worksheet you just completed and the rules above for writing a goal statement. This should be a work-

related goal that you would like to achieve in 12 months or less. Repeat this exercise as needed to write other goal

statements.

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Smart Goal Setting Guide Sheet Page 2