Setting SMART Goals

Build and Flex Leadership Skills: Design a Goal of YOUR OWN

How do I design a SMART goal?

Earning one of these 10 new IPs requires you to exercise the freedom to design a goal of YOUR OWN. While your own imagination is the best resource, you're free to use activities you find in other sources, too.

Ask SMART Questions

Before starting work on it, discuss your goal with your adult advisor. They'll be able to coach you on creating a goal that is SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely) by:

• Asking if you're stretching your skills enough or too much
• Assisting you to define what you'll learn and how you'll benefit
• Helping you think of new ideas you've never considered before.

In addition to our suggestions, there are many other resources in your library or on the Web that can help you with writing SMART goals.

Three steps to make YOUR OWN goal a SMART one

1. Write one paragraph or so explaining what the goal of YOUR OWN activity is. When writing the goal, take time to consider questions like:

• What interests you most about this topic?
• What would you most like to learn, do, or share?
• What do you hope to accomplish?
• What do you want to come away with from this experience?
• When you have completed your activity, what will you have learned, done, or shared?
• How will you measure your success?

2. Once you've written the explanation, list the steps you'll take to achieve this goal.

3. Review what you've written with your adult advisor before beginning work on YOUR OWN goal's activity. Discuss how the chosen steps will enable you to reach your goal.