SETTING SMART GOALS ACTIVITY

Watch the following video (5 minutes): www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJRd-yzC5GI

[short URL: https://goo.gl/XNjiaU]

Questions for discussion:

• What is the difference between a wish and a goal?
• What did the narrator mean when she said, “Every problem has a solution?” How can that perspective help you set and achieve goals?
• What is the difference between the questions, “What will you do” and “Who will you be?”

Say: One of the important things you can do when setting a goal is to be clear about what you want to accomplish. We are going to discuss a special way to come up with clear goals.

Give Explorers two copies each of the SMART Goal Questionnaire and Examples activity sheet. Explain what a SMART goal is, and give participants some examples of the S-M-A-R-T guidelines (see resources).

Share this story.

Jonathan, an eighth grader, wants to pursue a career in the field of sports medicine. After talking with adults in different areas of sports medicine, reading information in books and journals, and identifying his strengths and weaknesses, he has narrowed down his choice to physical therapy, perhaps even owning his own company someday. During the summer, he plans to volunteer at the physical therapy office close to his home. By the time he is ready to work part-time, he will have gained exposure to what the job might be like. Based on this, he has written goals that will guide his desire.

Tell the participants that they will use the story about Jonathan to practice writing SMART goals. Have them break into small groups to begin writing SMART goals for Jonathan. After a few minutes have them share their suggestions for the “S” goal, the “M” goal, the “A” goal, the “R” goal, and the “T” goal for Jonathan. Then discuss as a group and modify a set of SMART goals for Jonathan.

Next, tell Explorers they are going to do this again, but for a personal goal or dream. Tell them to envision something they dream about achieving or something they need to get done in the next week. Then take a few minutes to jot down some notes on a SMART goal to help accomplish that dream or task. Walk around and provide assistance as participants struggle with the process. They will need additional clarification or examples the first time they practice this method of writing goals.

Ask:

• Do you think writing your goal in the SMART format might help you accomplish your goal?
• Can you think through your goal with these SMART elements in mind?

Say: Most businesses today use this SMART method for writing goals for the year. Now that you know how to do this, you will have an advantage over others who have never written a SMART goal. And you will probably accomplish more because you are clear about what you want to achieve and have thought through the steps you will take.

• Do you think this is a good way to set a goal for yourself? Why?