Last week we introduced SMART Goals in our blog post “How to Set SMART Goals.” SMART Goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. Now that our readers are familiar with creating their goals, we want to explain how to take actionable steps to achieve them.

We have all experienced the guilt and dejection that accompanies failure to see a goal through. We at E.R.E. understand that creating SMART Goals requires effort and intention, and we want our students and readers to achieve their goals so they are proud of their accomplishments and can enhance their circumstances.

Step 1: Create your goal

First, create your goal using our in-depth explanation of goal-setting in our blog “How to Set SMART Goals.” We also suggest going a step further and using the SMART Objective Generator, a step-by-step process that condenses goals into actionable statements. When SMART Goals are simple, they seem much more attainable, and creating actionable steps becomes less complicated.

Step 2: Track your goal

Next, set up a way to track your goal. Clickup has compiled the 8 Best Goal Tracking Apps to provide a variety of tools to assist in taking action to complete SMART Goals. When we track the progress of our goals, we are held accountable, and we feel accomplished in every bit of progress made. You can also allow your goal app to send you “remind” notifications, which will help keep your goal schedule consistent.

Goal schedules may differ from person-to-person. One individual may benefit by establishing a set schedule: On Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:30 pm, I will spend an hour working on my goal. However, other individuals may benefit instead by choosing a more flexible method. At least 30 minutes a day, I will work on my goal. We must evaluate our strengths and what works best for us and choose steps that we can realistically take. When we establish a schedule, goal-tracking is easy and satisfying!

Step 3: Celebrate your goal achievements

Lastly, celebrate your goal achievements. Educate. Radiate. Elevate. values self-motivation. We celebrate with our students when they make progress on their goals. Setting up smaller milestones ensures that there is something to celebrate along the way, and it can help to keep your morale up through the process of working toward reaching your bigger goal. When small achievements and progress are recognized, completing the end goals seems more attainable.

Another actionable step that we always recommend is to reach out to a loved one or trusted friend to ask for support. A friend or loved one can periodically call to check in on the goal’s progress and can help encourage you along the way. Celebrating our goal achievements with our trusted circle makes progress even more exciting! When we take advantage of the support our close community can provide, we have a high chance of success.

The tutors at Educate. Radiate. Elevate. help under deserved students with improving their learning and life skills, which includes setting SMART Goals. We believe in teaching soft skills – such as goal creation and time management – along with hard skills – such as math and ELA. Studies show that well-rounded students are more likely to succeed in school and beyond. If you are inspired by our mission, join us in our efforts to better the lives of our students by donating, volunteering, interning, tutoring, or nominating a student!