Careers Pathways

Setting and achieving goals

Written by Study Work Grow

To make the most out of your high school years, mapping out what you want to achieve is important. That’s where SMART goals come into play. In this blog, we’ll discuss how setting and achieving SMART goals can not only enhance your high school experience, but also serve you well in all aspects of life.

SMART goals

Think of setting SMART goals like crafting a roadmap for your aspirations. These goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely. They provide a clear direction and a concrete plan to follow, which is crucial for staying focused and motivated throughout your high school years.

Specific

Be clear about what you want to achieve. Instead of saying, “I want to do better in school,” be specific and say, “I want to improve my maths grades from a B to an A.” You’ll be able to track your progress, and it provides a tangible way to see how far you’ve come, which can be incredibly motivating.

Measurable

You’ll need to measure how you’re doing to stay accountable and keep on track. If your goal is to read more books, set a number, like “I want to read 10 books this school year.” This way, you’ll easily be able to measure your progress, and feel motivated to keep going.

Achievable

While it’s good to aim high, it’s equally important to set goals that are within reach. Setting goals that are too challenging can lead to frustration and discouragement. For instance, if you struggled with maths last year, aiming for an A+ might be a bit too ambitious. Instead, opt for a goal like “I’d like to improve by one grade each semester.” This allows for steady progress without overwhelming yourself.

Relevant

Goals should align with your aspirations and interests. Setting goals just for the sake of it won’t provide the same level of motivation. For example, if you aspire to be a scientist, setting a goal to enhance your science grades is both meaningful and relevant. When you’re genuinely invested in a goal, you’re more likely to put in the effort needed to achieve it.

Timely

Establishing milestones or checkpoints along the way can help maintain your motivation. For instance, “I want to be able to run a mini marathon by July.” These time-bound targets give you a sense of progress and a deadline to work towards. But remember, it’s important that these milestones are still realistic and achievable, allowing you to celebrate your achievements along the way.

Setting SMART goals isn’t a rigid process. It’s perfectly fine to adjust your goals as you go along, adapting to new circumstances or gaining a better understanding of your capabilities. Stay motivated, work hard, and enjoy your high school years to the fullest.