Edublog - Making SMART Goals
- Learn English with NETOL
- Jan 11
- 18 min read
Updated: Jan 26
Resolutions & Goals - What's The Difference?
What Is A Resolution?
Resolution - Pronunciation: / reh·zuh·loo·shn /
The word resolution has many definitions:
Resolution Definition #1: Image or screen clarity
Meaning: How clear or sharp a picture or display is.
Example: This TV has high resolution, so the picture looks very clear.
Resolution Definition #2: Solving a problem
Meaning: The act of finding an answer or ending a conflict.
Example: The resolution of the argument made everyone happy.
Resolution Definition #3: An official decision
Meaning: A formal statement made by a group or organization.
Example: The company passed a resolution to improve safety.
Resolution Definition #4: A firm decision
Meaning: A strong choice to do or not to do something.
Example: My New Year’s resolution is to exercise more.
The focus of this lesson is Resolution Definition #4: A firm decision
A resolution is a firm decision where you make a promise or a goal to yourself to change something or start a new habit. It is usually something that you want to change or improve in your life. Resolutions often happen at the start of the year, but you can make one any time. For example, “I will exercise more” or “I will save money each month.” A resolution gives you direction and helps you focus on what matters.
What Is A Goal?
Goals - Pronunciation: / gowl /
The word goal has two definitions:
Goal Definition #1: Score in a sport
Meaning: An act of sending a ball or puck into the net to score a point.
Example: He scored two goals in the soccer game.
Goal Definition #2: Personal achievement
Meaning: Something you want to achieve in the future; an aim or desired result.
Example: Her main goal is to learn English this year.
The focus of this lesson is Goal Definition #2 - Personal achievement
A goal is something that you want to achieve. It is specific and has a target. Goals help you plan your actions step by step. For example, “Walk 30 minutes, five days a week,” or “Save $200 each month.” Goals break your big dreams into smaller pieces. When you set a goal, you know exactly what success looks like.
Difference Between A Resolution And A Goal
A resolution is a decision to do something, whereas a goal is the result you want to reach.
For example,
Resolution: “I will exercise more.”
Goal: “I will exercise three times a week for three months.”
Advantages of Making Goals
Goals help us stay focused. They give us a clear direction. When we have goals, we know what we want to do and how to do it. When we achieve our goals, we feel proud, and this helps us build our confidence and encourages us to keep going.
Here is a list of 6 advantages of making goals:
Builds Confidence
Having a goal and working towards achieving it can make you feel confident and proud of yourself.
Encourages Positive Habits
Having a goal can help you develop good habits that can improve your life and make it better.
Helps You Stay Focused
Having a goal can help you pay attention to what is important, so you can achieve your goal and not get distracted.
Makes Life More Organized
Having a goal can help you manage your time better so you can achieve your goals..
Reduces Stress
Having a goal can help you feel calm and lower your stress level because you know what to do to achieve your goal.
Makes You Feel Successful
Lastly, when you complete your goal, this would make you feel proud and successful in your accomplishment.
The Key To Success
The words "Success" and "Key to Success " relate to making goals.
Success means accomplishing a goal that you’ve set out to achieve. It provides a source of motivation for people to change their lives for the better.
Key To Success = Idiom
What Is An Idiom?
An idiom is a group of words that mean something different from their literal meaning.
Idiom: When pigs fly
As you know, it is impossible for pigs to fly.
This idiom means that a particular situation will most likely not happen.
Example sentence: My sister will clean her room when pigs fly.
The phrase 'Key to Success' is an idiom because it does not mean exactly what the words say.
A real key opens a door, but in this idiom, "Key to Success", the “key” is an idea or action that helps you succeed. It is like saying, “This is the secret to doing well.”
Key To Success
Tips To Succeed In Everything You
Here are 10 tips to show you what you need to do to succeed in everything that you choose to do:
Be Clear About What You Want To Do
Explanation: Know your goal. When you understand what you want, it is easier to reach it
.Example: “I want to learn English so I can get a better job.”
Make A Plan
Explanation: A plan helps you know what to do first and next.
Example: “I will study English for 30 minutes every day.”
Stay Positive
Explanation: Think good thoughts. Positive thinking helps you keep going.
Example: “I can do this if I try.”
Work Hard
Explanation: Success needs effort. Do your best every day.
Example: “I will practise speaking English with my friends.”
Be Patient
Explanation: Success takes time. Do not expect fast results.
Example: “Learning English will take months, not days.”
Learn From Your Mistakes
Explanation: Mistakes help you improve. Do not be afraid to make them.
Example: “I said the wrong word, but now I know the right one.”
Ask For Help
Explanation: Other people can help you. Do not be shy to ask.
Example: “Can you explain this word to me?”
Stay Focused
Explanation: Pay attention to your goal. Do not let other things stop you.
Example: “I will turn off my phone when I study.”
Use Your Time Well
Explanation: Time is important. Do not waste it.
Example: “I will study while I wait for the bus.”
Never Give Up
Explanation: Keep trying, even when it is hard.
Example: “I will keep learning English until I speak well.”
Mistakes When Making Goals
Here is an example of a few goals that were made. Can you spot the mistakes?
Many common mistakes were made when these goals were set. The goals listed are unrealistic, unhealthy, and very difficult to maintain and achieve.
For Example:
Losing 33 pounds in one month or eating only cucumbers is not safe and can harm your health.
Exercising three times a day is extreme.
Drinking 20 glasses of water daily can be impractical.
Completely avoiding television, videos, and social media might sound productive, but it is too strict and hard to follow.
These goals that were set show us that they are too big, too fast, and not balanced, which can lead to failure and frustration.
Here is a list of 8 common mistakes that people make when making goals.
Mistake #1
Making Resolutions Or Goals Too Big
Explanation: If your goal is too big, it can feel impossible, and you may quit. Start small so you can succeed.
Example: “I will walk 10 kilometres every day” is too big. A better goal is “I will walk 10 minutes every day.”
Mistake #2
Not Making Resolutions Or Goals Realistic
Explanation: Your goal should be something you can really do. If it is too hard, you will stop.
Example: “I will walk for two hours every day” is not realistic for a busy person. A better goal is “I will walk for 30 minutes.”
Mistake #3
Trying to Do Too Much
Explanation: If you try to change many things at once, it is hard to keep going. Focus on one goal first.
Example: “I will walk every day, eat only healthy food, and go to the gym” is too much. Start with walking.
Mistake #4
No Clear Plan
Explanation: If you do not plan when and how to do your goal, you may forget or skip it.
Example: “I want to walk every day” is not clear. A better plan is “I will walk after dinner at 7:00 p.m.”
Mistake #5
No Deadline
Explanation: If you do not set a time limit, you may never start or finish.
Example: “I want to walk every day” has no deadline. A better goal is “I will walk every day for 30 days.”
Mistake #6
Not Tracking Progress
Explanation: If you do not check your progress, you will not know if you are doing well.
Example: Tick a box on a calendar every time you walk.
Mistake #7
Not Asking for Help
Explanation: If you do not ask for support, it can feel lonely and hard.
Example: Ask a friend to walk with you twice a week.
Mistake #8
Giving Up Too Soon
Explanation: If you stop after one mistake, you will not reach your goal. Everyone makes mistakes. Start again the next day.
Example: If you miss one day of walking, do not quit. Walk the next day.
Steps To Making Goals Successfully
Everyone has dreams, but it is important to make clear goals to reach them. Goals help us know what we want to do and what we need to do to achieve them. There are a few simple steps that people can follow to make their goals easier and more successful.
Step #1
Choose One Goal
Explanation: It is easier to succeed when you focus on one goal. If you try to do too many things, you can feel stressed and give up.
Example: “I am going to choose walking every day as my goal.”
Step #2
Make It Realistic
Explanation: Your goal should be something you can really do. If it is too hard, you may stop.
Example: “I will walk 30 minutes, not run 10 kilometres, because walking is easier for me now.”
Step #3
Know Your Reason
Explanation: Think about why this goal is important for you. When you know your reason, you feel more motivated to keep going.
Example: “I want to walk every day to feel healthy, lose weight, and have more energy.”
Step #4
Make It Clear
Explanation: Do not use words like “be healthy” or “do better.” Say exactly what you will do.
Example: “I am going to walk 30 minutes after dinner every day.”
Step #5
Start Small
Explanation: Big changes can feel hard. Start with small steps so you do not quit.
Example: “I am going to start with 10 minutes of walking for the first week.”
Step #6
Make A Plan
Explanation: Plan how and when you will start your goal. A plan makes it easier to follow.
Example: “I am going to walk after dinner at 7:00 p.m. every day.”
Step #7
Set A Time
Explanation: Choose when you will start and when you will finish. A time limit helps you stay focused.
Example: “I am going to start on Monday and walk every day for 30 days.”
Step #8
Think About Obstacles
Explanation: Sometimes things go wrong. Plan what you will do if that happens.
Example: “If it rains, I will walk indoors, at the mall.”
Step #9
Ask For Help
Explanation: Tell a friend or family member about your goal. They can support you and remind you.
Example: “I want to drink more water every day.”
Step #10
Check Your Progress
Explanation: Look at what you have done. This helps you see your success and stay motivated.
Example: “I will tick a box on a calendar every time I walk.”
Step #11
Celebrate Small Wins
Explanation: Be happy when you do well. Give yourself a small reward to stay motivated.
Example: “Ask my friend to walk with me once a week.”
Step #12
Use The SMART Goals Method
Explanation: SMART means Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. Using the SMART Goals method will make your goal clear and easy to follow.
Example: “I want to drink more water every day.”
To achieve New Year's resolutions, people often use SMART Goals. SMART Goals help people make clear and realistic plans. They are useful because they make goals easier to reach.
What are SMART Goals?
SMART goals are a method for setting clear and achievable objectives. Each letter in "S.M.A.R.T." stands for a different part of the goal-setting process. Here are some examples and explanations for each area:
Specific: The goal is clear and detailed.
Measurable: The goal is easy to track progress.
Attainable: The goal is realistic and achievable.
Relevant: The goal is important and meaningful.
Timely: The goal has a deadline.
Acronyms vs. Initialisms
&
An acronym is a word formed from the first letters of a phrase and pronounced as a word (e.g., “NATO”). An initialism uses the first letters, but you pronounce each letter (e.g., “FBI”). SMART is an acronym because we say it like a word, not letter by letter.
Explanation
Specific
A specific goal is clear and detailed.
It answers the questions: Who? What? Where? When? Why?
Examples:
"I want to read one book about personal finance by the end of the month."
"I will walk for 30 minutes every day."
Measurable
A measurable goal has criteria for tracking progress.
It answers the question: How will I know when it is accomplished?
Examples:
"I will save $200 by the end of the month."
"I will lose 5 kilograms in 3 months."
Achievable
An achievable goal is realistic and attainable.
It answers the question: Is this goal possible for me to reach?
Examples:
"I will learn 10 new English words each week."
"I will exercise for 30 minutes, three times a week."
Relevant
A relevant goal matters to you and aligns with other goals.
It answers the question: Why is this goal important?
Examples:
"I will register for an educational course so I can apply for a better job."
"I will learn basic Spanish to communicate better during my trip to Spain."
Timely
A timely goal is also called a time-bound goal. A timely goal has a deadline.
It answers the question: When will I achieve this goal?
Examples:
"I will lose weight by June of this year."
"I will complete my online course by December 31st."
Using SMART Goals helps people succeed because they make plans clear and manageable.
Popular SMART Goals That People Make
Every day, many people make SMART goals. These goals are promises to themselves to improve their lives. People make SMART goals because it is a chance to change habits and improve their lives.
SMART Goal #1
Learn A New Language
Goal: I want to study and speak a new language.
Explanation: This means you want to study and speak a new language.
SMART Goal:
Specific: I choose the language (e.g., Spanish).
Measurable: I can count words or lessons.
Achievable: I can learn a little every day.
Relevant: It helps me travel or work.
Timely: I set a time (e.g., 3 months).
Example: I will learn 50 English words every week for 3 months.
SMART Goal #2
Exercise Regularly
Goal: I want to move my body often to stay healthy.
Explanation: This means you want to move your body often to stay healthy.
SMART Goal:
Specific: I choose the activity (e.g., running).
Measurable: I count minutes or times per week.
Achievable: I start with short sessions.
Relevant: It improves my health and energy.
Timely: I set a time frame (e.g., 2 months).
Example: I will run for 30 minutes on the elliptical, 3 times a week for 2 months.
SMART Goal #3
Declutter Your Home
Goal: I want to clean and organize my home.
Explanation: This means you want to clean and organize your home.
SMART Goal:
Specific: I choose the room (e.g., bedroom).
Measurable: I count items removed.
Achievable: I do a little at a time.
Relevant: It makes my home tidy and calm.
Timely: I set a deadline (e.g., next Saturday).
Example: I will remove 10 old items from my bedroom by next Saturday.
SMART Goal #4
Improve Nutrition
Goal: I want to eat better food.
Explanation: This means you want to eat better food.
SMART Goal:
Specific: I choose what to eat (e.g., fruits).
Measurable: I count meals with vegetables.
Achievable: I add small changes.
Relevant: It helps my health.
Timely: I set a period (e.g., 3 months).
Example: I will eat vegetables with lunch and dinner every day for 3 months.
SMART Goal #5
Pay Down Debt
Goal: I want to reduce the money I owe.
Explanation: This means you want to reduce the money you owe.
SMART Goal:
Specific: I choose the debt (e.g., credit card).
Measurable: I track payments.
Achievable: I pay a small amount each month.
Relevant: It improves my finances.
Timely: I set a time (e.g., 6 months).
Example: I will pay $100 of my credit card debt every month for 6 months.
SMART Goal #6
Sleep Better
Goal: I want to have good sleep.
Explanation: This means you want to have good sleep.
SMART Goal:
Specific: I choose bedtime (e.g., 10:00 PM).
Measurable: I check hours of sleep.
Achievable: I start with one habit.
Relevant: It helps my health and energy.
Timely: I set a period (e.g., 30 days).
Example: I will go to bed at 10:30 PM every night for 30 days.
SMART Goal #7
Stay Safe While Driving
Goal: I want to practice safety measures while driving to prevent injuries and accidents.
Explanation: This means you want to create safety measures that can prevent injuries and accidents.
SMART Goal:
Specific: I will never text or use my phone while driving.
Measurable: I will keep my phone out of reach while driving.
Achievable: I will start by making this a habit on every trip
Relevant: This action helps prevent accidents and keeps me and others safe.
Timely: I will keep this habit every day for the next 30 days.
Example: Every time I drive, I will put my phone in a bag or glove compartment and turn on “Do Not Disturb” mode.
SMART Goal #8
Go On A Trip
Goal: I want to travel to Italy this summer.
Explanation: This means you want to travel to. a special destination.
SMART Goal:
Specific: I choose the place (e.g., Italy).
Measurable: I plan days and budget.
Achievable: I save money slowly.
Relevant: It gives me new experiences.
Timely: I set a date (e.g., July).
Example: I will go to Italy for 10 days in July and save $1000 by June.
SMART Goal #9
Volunteer At A Community Service
Goal: I want to help others in my area.
Explanation: This means you want to help people in your community.
SMART Goal:
Specific: I choose the place (e.g., food bank).
Measurable: I count hours.
Achievable: I start with short times.
Relevant: It helps others and feels good.
Timely: I set a period (e.g., 3 months).
Example: I will volunteer at the local food bank for 2 hours every Saturday for 3 months.
SMART Goal #10
Make Social Connections
Goal: I want to meet new people, make friends, or reconnect with old friends.
Explanation: This means you want to meet new people, make new friends, or get in touch with old friends.
SMART Goal:
Specific: I choose the activity (e.g., book club or a library program).
Measurable: I count meetings with friends.
Achievable: I get together with one friend first.
Relevant: It improves my social life.
Timely: I set a time (e.g., 6 months).
Example: I will join a book club and attend 2 library programs every month for 6 months.
Cassy’s SMART Goals
Cassy's Goals
Cassy has been experiencing 2 health problems for the past few years.
Cassy's health problem #1:
Cassy has been experiencing high blood pressure since extra weight can put strain on the heart and blood vessels.
Cassy's health problem #2:
Cassy has also been experiencing joint problems in her knees because her extra weight is adding pressure on her joints.
Last year, Cassy made goals for herself, but she was unsuccessful in achieving her goals because she made a few mistakes.
Cassy's Past Goals Mistakes
Cassy made goals last year, but she did not succeed because she made some mistakes. Have a look at Cassy's goals from last year and see if you can figure out what her mistakes were:
Cassy's SMART Goal For This Year
This year, Cassy's health problems have motivated her to set a SMART goal for herself. Cassy is going to use the SMART goals method to make a SMART goal for herself. Making this SMART goal will help her succeed and achieve her goal. Have a look at Cassy's SMART goal for this year.
Cassy's SMART Goal
Specific - Improve health
Cassy wants to improve her health.
Measurable - Exercise 3 times a week
Cassy will exercise 3 times a week.
Attainable - Have realistic steps
Cassy chose realistic and achievable steps to reach her goal.
Relevant - Health matters and is important
Cassy's goal is important because her health matters to her.
Timely - Complete the goal in 5 months
Cassy plans to achieve her goal within five months.
Cassy's SMART Goal
Specific
Specific - Cassy is overweight. She wants to make a goal for herself and use a SMART goal to improve her health.
Cassy's Steps To Selecting Her SMART Goal
Measurable
Measurable - Cassy is going to select steps and track her progress by including detailed steps.
Lose weight – "I am going to eat healthier food."
Exercise more – "I am going to exercise 3 times a week for 3 months."
Be more active – "I am going to watch only 1 hour of TV per day."
Cassy's Instructions For Achieving Her SMART Goal Attainable
Attainable - Cassy selected a realistic goal, and she created realistic and attainable instructions which will help her achieve her goal.
"I am going to exercise more."
"I am going to eat healthier food."
"I am going to watch 1 hour of TV each day instead of 6 hours."
Cassy's Reason For Choosing A SMART Goal
Relevant
Relevant - Cassy selected the goal of improving her health because this goal is important to her.
“I chose this goal because after speaking with my doctor, I realised that I must improve my health. This is why improving my health is my top priority for this year. I plan to improve my health by losing weight, exercising more, watching less TV, and being more active.”
Cassy's Timeline To Completing Her SMART Goal
Timely
Timely - Cassy selected a realistic timeline for when she wants to achieve her goal.
"I will achieve my goal by June of this year. This means that I have 5 months to achieve my goal of improving my health."
Cassy's SMART Goals Results
Cassy's Narrated Story - Making SMART Goals
"Hello, my name is Cassy, and this is my story.
This year, I had a goal. My goal was to improve my health.
I was overweight, and I had two health problems because of it.
First, I had high blood pressure because extra weight put strain on my heart and blood vessels. Second, I had joint problems in my knees because my extra weight added pressure on my joints.
Last year, I made goals, but I did not succeed. I made mistakes. My goals were too big and not realistic. I tried to do too much at one time. I did not make a clear plan or set a deadline. I did not track my progress, and I gave up too soon. These mistakes made me fail.
This year, I wanted to do better. I learned about resolutions and goals.
A resolution is a firm decision to do something.
For example, 'I will exercise more.'
A goal is something you want to achieve.
For example, 'I will exercise three times a week for three months.'
A resolution is a decision. A goal is the result you want.
Goals are important because they help us stay focused. They make life more organized, reduce stress, and help us feel successful. Goals also build confidence and encourage positive habits.
I also learned about SMART goals.
SMART means Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely.
SMART goals help people succeed because they are clear and realistic.
This year, I made a SMART goal for myself:
Specific: I wanted to improve my health.
Measurable: I planned to exercise three times a week.
Attainable: I took realistic steps. I ate healthier food and watched only one hour of TV each day instead of six hours.
Relevant: My health was important to me. I spoke with my doctor, and I knew I had to improve my health.
Timely: I planned to achieve my goal in five months by June.
Here were my steps:
I ate healthier food.
I exercised three times a week for three months.
I watched only one hour of TV per day.
I chose this goal because I wanted to feel healthy, lose weight, and have more energy. I tracked my progress and celebrated small wins. When something went wrong, I did not give up. I started again the next day.
Making SMART goals was the key to my success. When a goal is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely, it is easier to achieve. I worked hard, stayed positive, and never gave up.
Now, I have achieved my goal. I feel healthier, my blood pressure is better, and my knees feel stronger. I am proud of myself because I succeeded. SMART goals helped me change my life."
Concluding Thoughts About Making SMART Goals
Making SMART goals can help you succeed and improve your life. When your goal is Specific, you know exactly what you want to do. If it is Measurable, you can check your progress. A goal should be Attainable, so it is realistic for you to achieve. It must be Relevant, meaning it is important and fits your needs. Finally, it should be Timely, with a clear start and finish date. By using these SMART steps, you can stay focused and make positive changes in your life.
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Written by: Nicole WT
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