We associate the acronym SMART with the polished, new boards that greeted classrooms in the mid 2010s. These boards were designed to facilitate a holistic perspective on learning with the integration of technology.

Today, a new definition of SMART has swept the world, especially in the context of academics. This new definition aligns with everything the 21st century stands for, including the original SMART boards: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound.

These are components that help in identifying short term and long term goals. As teachers it is important to set deadlines – for yourself and your students.

Learn how to incorporate these in your academic year, and in your daily life.

S – SPECIFIC

SMART goals should define the specificities and nuances in making a goal.

Imagine a paper scribbled with dreams. Outlines filled with possibilities!

This means charting lists, brainstorming, weighing pros and cons, etc. A SPECIFIC goal will aid you in accomplishing long and short term goals with accuracy.

Studies show that writing things down doesn’t only make you remember but also wire your mind to help you focus on what is important.

M – MEASUREABLE

A MEASUREABLE goal is one that can be measured in statistics and percentage.

This includes math. Dreams don’t have to be confined to sleep. Goals don’t need to hover in possibility.

Numbers symbolize facts. And facts determine the future. By charting your path with numbers, you are one step closer to attaining the goal you once thought was not possible.

With the proof of numbers, the goal is made more real and doable.

A – ATTAINABLE

Dreams are wonderful to depend on. They can be easy to get lost in.

However, a SMART goal needs to be rooted in reality. An ATTAINABLE goal needs to be set within realistic parameters. As the proverb goes: “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch!”

The goal should be within your control. A goal should not depend upon someone else’s actions or expectations. That may delay your plan.

The only person you can rely on is yourself.

R – RELEVANT

A RELEVANT goal has to match your field of interest and passion. This also includes prioritizing goals.

The goal should have a meaningful outcome, one that would be applicable to your life right now. These aspirations help in boosting motivation and managing time efficiently.

For example – you cannot set a goal on mastering a chapter in mathematics when it is not in the syllabus for the upcoming exam.

T – TIME-BOUND

Attainment of the goal should be within a specific and realistic timeframe. This timeframe should be flexible enough to allow for unanticipated changes.

However, it is necessary to complete the goal within a deadline. The plan may be productive, meticulously planned. However, without a deadline, it might never be accomplished.

Procrastination is the enemy of progress.

Through a simple mnemonic device, learn how to enrich your life and make your dream a reality.

SMART goals help in aligning your visions in a coherent, linear pattern.

It is a step closer to transforming dreams into realities.