How to Set SMART Goals and how to Achieve them in 2025 with a bonus tip for boards

WE have heard lines like work smarter not harder many times in our life but How can we achieve it? By setting up SMART Goals. Smart goals don’t mean goal set by use of brain; it means goals which are profitable to us. I Know I Know…. It sounds tough to create smart goals but by setting smart goal you can achieve anything in less time and by putting less efforts.

A SMART goal should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound. By setting a goal, we are creating a path for our particular target. If we keep all these things in mind while choosing our goal , it will be called smart goals setting. They allow you to set goals that are clear, which can be completed and full of meaning. Having clear goal setting provides the motivation and focus you need to be successful.

What is a SMART Goal:

Specific. What is it exactly that you want to achieve?
Measurable. What difference you’ll see to tell that you’ve achieved the goal?
Attainable. Is it a reasonable, achievable goal, or is it just too much to ask for?
Relevant. How does it fit into the “bigger picture” of what you’re trying to accomplish through it?
Time-bound. What day and/ time will you complete the task?

Smart goals are when we keep all the 5 things stated below in our mind at the time of selecting or choosing goal.

1. Specific:

source : google

You should be very clear about the outcome/ result you want to get from this goal.
Don’t use smudgy statements i.e unclear statements without a start or end.
When what is to be accomplished is clear how becomes clear.
For example: If we specifically want to do good in academics in that also in math’s so we’ll make our timetable or study plan in which we can focus on math in a better way. And this way our goal to do better in that particular field is achieved.

2. Measurable:

Always try to make Quantifiable goal by setting a time limit in which you have to complete that task.
Try to include/ put a start and end point to define the range of your goal.
Create a vision board to track your progress.
For example: If your goal is to “start reading books” you should set it like “I will complete this book in 1 month”

3.Achievable:

Setting an achievable goal means considering what you can actually accomplish, with your tools, things, time, and other things is also kept in mind.
While it may challenge you, it should still be in your range. Establishing objectives that are overly ambitious can result in feelings of frustration and decreases motivation.

Gain awareness of your goals/destination
Tell your ideas to yourself and others with clarity
Avoid what you shouldn’t be doing
Start doing what you should be doing

4.Relevant:

This step is about ensuring that your goal really matters to you, and that it also goes with other goals you have set.
We all need support in achieving our goals, but it’s important to take control over them.
Make sure that your plans takes everyone forward, but that you’re responsible for achieving your own goal.
For example: As students of different field, we have to learn different skills but the skills should align with our goals ” A digital marketer should go for editing and not classical dancing as skill to learn”. As it will not benefit him/her.

5.Time-Bound:

Every goal needs a last date, so that you have a deadline to focus on and something to work on.
This part of the SMART goal criteria helps to prevent everyday small tasks from being your priority over your longer-term goals.
Always have a sense of urgency when you decide to achieve something.
For example: If you want to learn any musical instrument you should give yourself a deadline like ” I’ll learn to play guitar in next 3 months.”

How can we Achieve SMART goals:

Always try to break down the big goals into smaller ones.
Create a roadmap with specific steps.
Track your progress on regular basis.
Celebrate milestones and even a small success.
Adjust and adapt goals according to your needs/demands.
Try to be motivated by rewarding yourself and positive self-talk.

Example of a smart goal/ tip for boards

Suppose you are a student appearing for boards in year 2025. Here’s an example how you can set your SMART goal.

Specific: I want to score at least 80% in my board exams.
Measurable: I will track my progress through regular tests and by observing my result.
Achievable: I will dedicate at least 2 hours every day to each main subject and ask for help from teachers for topics I find challenging.
Relevant: Scoring well in board exams is important for my college entrance and future academic opportunities.
Time-bound: I aim to achieve this goal by the time my board exams appear in three months.
By setting this goal, you have a clear roadmap to make your study effortless and track your progress. Best of luck with your preparations!

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