What are Smart Goals?
What are SMART goals?
Here at True Balance Karate in Downers Grove, Illinois, we have a social-emotional learning program called True Character. I’m Master H, the owner and chief instructor here at the studio. I have two master’s degrees in education, and we’ve developed this curriculum to meet the needs of our youngest students, who are three or four, and our oldest student, who is 85.
This month, we are talking about goal setting.
Last week, we discussed what a goal is: something we know we want to achieve and create a plan to accomplish. As a special education teacher for 15 years, much of my work revolved around goal setting—determining what we want to accomplish, how to get there, identifying action steps, measuring progress, and knowing when we’ve achieved our goal.
A helpful way to structure this is with the SMART acronym:
- Specific: A goal should be clear and focused. For example, in karate, wanting to earn your next belt rank or improve a jump front kick is specific. It aligns with the activity we’re doing.
- Measurable: A goal needs criteria to track progress. If you want to kick higher, define what “higher” means—an inch, a foot, or more. Measure where you are now and set a target for where you want to be by a certain date.
- Attainable: A goal should be something you can realistically achieve. For instance, setting a goal to improve a jump front kick might not be attainable if you’re recovering from a knee injury, but it could be something to work toward once healed.
- Reasonable: Goals should stretch you but remain realistic. It’s unreasonable to aim for a jump front kick that reaches the ceiling, but improving to head height might be reasonable if you’re working on flexibility.
- Trackable/Time-Bound: A goal should have a timeline or way to track progress. For example, setting a date to achieve your next rank gives you accountability. Tracking progress, such as lifting heavier weights or kicking higher over time, provides motivation.
As you work on goals, remember they may need reevaluation if circumstances change. Stay flexible and committed to your objectives. Making goals as clear and specific as possible increases the likelihood of success.
Thanks, and I’ll see you on the mat!
True Balance Karate was founded in 2012 by Master Sue and Paul Helsdon.
We offer kids karate lessons for pre-school children ages 3-6 and elementary age kids ages 7 and up. These lessons are designed to develop the critical building blocks kids need — specialized for their age group — for school excellence and later success in life.
Our adult martial arts training is a complete adult fitness and conditioning program for adults who want to lose weight, get (and stay) in shape, or learn self-defense in a supportive environment.
Instructors can answer questions or be contacted 24 hours of the day, 7 days a week at 630-663-2000. You can also contact us here. True Balance Karate is at 406 Ogden Ave Downers Grove Illinois, 60515 (next to CVS) Check out our Facebook!