Set SMART Goals

The method of SMART goals (an acronym for the 5 steps of Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals) is one of the most effective tools used by high achievers to reach their goals — realistically and consistently.

1. Be specific
>> Set your own goal
>> Ask yourself:
                   -What do I want to accomplish?
                   -Where will this happen?
                   -When will this happen?
                   -Why am I setting this goal?
                   -Who is involved?

2. Measurable 
>> Have a concrete set of criteria for measuring progress
>> Set a daily reminder to track and measure your progress
>> Set a few small goals to be achieved in a period of time in order to progress and achieve your main goal

3. Attainable
>> Make your goal attainable
>> Draft realistic goals that are attainable in the present

4. Relevant
>> Make your goal relevant to your life's reality
>> Set a goal that you have a realistic chance of achieving

5. Time-bound
>> Ground the goal within a time frame
>> Smart goals should always have a deadline/ date of completion
>> The deadline will reinforce the seriousness of the goal in your mind and motivate you to take action
>> Within your established time frame, ask yourself:

• What can I do TODAY to reach my goal?
• What can I do 3 weeks from now to reach my goal?
• What can I do 3 months from now to reach my goal?

My goals: a) Achieve 4A* in A Levels

                 b) Make more friends and widen my social circle

                 c) Travel to many countries, as many as I can

                 d) Become a professional photographer

                 e) Get into a good university

To achieve my goals, I have planned a few small goals for a shorter time frame in order to achieve my big goals.

a) Archieve 4A* in A Levels

- Study at least 6 hours per day

- Revise handouts and notes every day after lectures

- Do past year papers to enhance my understandings towards every topic

- Discuss with friends problems faced in every subject

- Organise group study during weekends

b) Make more friends and widen my social circle

- Get involved in more social activities

- Be more outspoken and friendly

- Take the initiative to make new friends

- Keep in touch with new friends 

c) Travel to many countries

- List down a few countries that I would like to visit in the next 5 years

- Look for information about the countries that I want to visit, e.g. tourist attractions, transportation, cost living, weather etc.

- Look out for cheap flight tickets offered by budget airlines

- Save money, e.g RM300 per month 

d) Become a professional photographer

- Own a camera

- Learn how to use the camera to take good photos by watching tutorials online and reading magazines

- Learn from other friends who are professional in photography

- Taking up online photography courses

e) Get into good university

- List down a few universities that I aim to go into

- Study hard to get good results

In order to achieve my goals, I have to follow these steps closely with great determination. Join me and set your goals now!