--- title: I Want to Set SMART Goals description: A SMART goal isn’t just an intelligent goal. It’s a goal with a specific structure that gives you a roadmap for achieving it. A SMART goal has five parts, which are represented by the letters making up the word. image: https://blog.approachusa.org/hubfs/blog_banners2021%20(14).png --- - [Contact Us](https://approachusa.org/contact-us/) - [Apply Now](https://approachusa.org/application-form-2/) Menu - [Programs of Study](https://approachusa.org/programs-of-study/) - [English as a Second Language (ESL)](https://approachusa.org/esl/) - [Test Preparation (TOEFL, GMAT, GRE, SAT)](https://approachusa.org/testprep/) - [Advanced Programs](https://approachusa.org/speccialty-programs/) - [ESL Teen Culture Program](https://approachusa.org/youth-programs/) - [Student Services](https://approachusa.org/student-services-2/) - [Join our Community](https://pages.approachusa.org/approachusa-community) - [Blog](https://blog.approachusa.org/) - [Academic & Career Advising](https://approachusa.org/academicadvising/) - [Student Activities](https://approachusa.org/academic-activities/) - [Students’ Success Stories](https://approachusa.org/students-success-stories/) - [Housing](https://approachusa.org/student-services/) - [Admissions](https://pages.approachusa.org/en-us/our-programs-usa) - [Apply from Abroad](https://pages.approachusa.org/applying-from-abroad) - [Tuition and Fees](https://pages.approachusa.org/tuition-and-fees) [![Approach International Student Center®](https://blog.approachusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Approach_USA_April2021/images/header_logo.png?height=500&name=header_logo.png "Approach International Student Center®")](https://approachusa.org/) - Call us today **[+1 617 787 5401](https://wa.me/16177875401)** - Email us **[admissions@approachusa.com](mailto:admissions@approachusa.com)** ![](https://blog.approachusa.org/hubfs/blog_banners2021%20(14).png) # I Want to Set SMART Goals Published by [Lisa Lavoie](https://blog.approachusa.org/author/lisa-lavoie) on Apr 15, 2022 5:56:24 PM A SMART goal isn’t just an *intelligent* goal. It’s a goal with a specific structure that gives you a roadmap for achieving it. A SMART goal has five parts, which are represented by the letters making up the word. ![](https://blog.approachusa.org/hubfs/SMART-GOALS-jpeg.jpeg) S - Specific M - Measurable A - Achievable or Attainable R - Relevant T - Time-Bound or Time-Based Maybe your general goal is to meet more Americans. It’s a great goal but it doesn’t lay out any details on how you’re going to achieve it. When you apply the SMART goal technique, you make an action plan. Go through each of the letters to plan your SMART goal.   **Specific** Be an investigative journalist and ask all the WH questions when you develop the goal: who, what, when, where, why, and how. Who do you want to meet? When and where do you think you can meet them? How will you meet them?   **Measurable** Quantify or describe what you will do or what the result will be, so you know if you succeeded. For example, a measurable goal is to make two new American friends per month.    **Achievable** Plan for the time and resources you need and make sure you can realistically do what you’re planning. Don’t set an unrealistic goal that you have no chance or way of achieving. While it might be great to make 20 new friends this week, it’s may not be achievable. It could be depressing to fail to meet a goal. You need to know where you have a chance of meeting the new friends.   **Relevant** Make sure the goal will apply. Be sure that you put effort into a goal that will help you. For example, if you’re about to move to a different city, don’t work to make a lot of new local friends. Save your efforts for the new city.   **Time-bound** Plan a realistic timeframe, with a deadline, to create some urgency. Don’t waste time with unachievable goals, but instead give yourself the chance to accomplish your aims. You know yourself. Do you need the excitement that comes with meeting a short deadline? Or are you better with plenty of time and maybe some intermediate goals or check-ins? Don’t just let the goal sit forever. It will just collect dust.    When you create a SMART goal, you will have a plan and you will know if you achieved it.    Broad Goal: I want to meet more Americans.   SMART Goal: I will participate in scheduled events at my child’s school and meet two new people each month by introducing myself and chatting. To further the friendship, I will plan casual outings with the kids.    Good luck! [Back to Blog](https://blog.approachusa.org) ## Related Articles ## [Set Goals to Improve your English](https://blog.approachusa.org/set-goals-to-improve-your-english) Tony Robbins, one of the world’s top coaches, has a great quote on goal-setting. He says: [Read More](https://blog.approachusa.org/set-goals-to-improve-your-english) ## [How to Plan Your New Year's Resolutions](https://blog.approachusa.org/how-to-plan-your-new-years-resolutions) How was 2022 for you? Can you believe this year is already ending? This year, I’veaccomplished some... [Read More](https://blog.approachusa.org/how-to-plan-your-new-years-resolutions) ## [Commitment leads to Accomplishments](https://blog.approachusa.org/commitment-leads-to-accomplishments) Commitment is one of the ingredients to get things done and reach goals. If you are not fully... [Read More](https://blog.approachusa.org/commitment-leads-to-accomplishments) ##### About Us Approach International Student Center is a well-established English language school located in Allston, MA, only 5 minutes away from Boston – one of the most dynamic student centers in the world. 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