As the sun sets on childhood and rises on the tumultuous yet exhilarating horizon of adolescence, teenagers find themselves standing on the precipice of countless possibilities.
It’s a time of growth, exploration, and self-discovery but it can also be filled with uncertainty and confusion. One tool that can guide teens through this labyrinth of change is goal setting.
Just as a compass points toward true north, setting achievable goals provides a sense of direction and purpose. But how does one set goals that are not just aspirational but also attainable? Enter SMART goals.
SMART is a framework that transforms vague ambitions into clear, actionable objectives. This methodology encourages teens to articulate their goals in a way that gives them a clear roadmap for success.
This piece will delve into the heart of SMART goal setting and explore its significance in a teenager’s life. We’ll present you with 13 inspiring SMART goal examples tailored for teens.
These examples span various aspects of a teenager’s life—academic, personal development, financial, and more. You’ll be equipped with concrete examples to serve as a springboard for creating your goals.
Now buckle up and prepare for an enlightening journey into the world of SMART goal setting. Your future adult self will thank you.
What is a SMART Goal?
The SMART goal-setting approach is an effective tool for teens to create and achieve goals. SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based.
Let’s delve deeper into each component of the SMART framework:
The more precise your goals are, the higher your chances of accomplishing them. Ambiguous goals often lead to disappointment.
For instance, if a teen’s goal is to improve their academic performance, it must be more exact. What subjects do they want to excel in? Is there a specific grade point average they’re aiming for? Specificity provides a clear roadmap to success.
Having a way to gauge your progress is crucial. It allows you to determine if you’re on the right path. Suppose a teen aims to read more books. In that case, a measurable goal could be “read 30 books by the end of the year”. They will have a concrete target to strive towards.
Goals should be realistic and achievable. If a teen decides to learn a new language, they can’t expect to become fluent overnight. It’s essential to allocate enough time and utilize appropriate resources to reach this ambitious target.
Teens should ask themselves, “Why am I setting this goal?” Perhaps learning a new language will help them in their future career or personal growth. Setting relevant goals fuels motivation and provides the resilience to persist during challenging times.
Having a timeline fosters accountability and maintains momentum. Without a deadline, the risk of not completing the goal increases. For instance, if a teen wants to save money for a car, having a time-bound goal like “save $3000 in 12 months” will keep them on track.
This SMART approach benefits teenagers because it enables them to establish well-defined, realistic, and meaningful goals that promote self-growth and achievement.
13 Best SMART Goals Examples for Teens
Here are some amazing examples of SMART goals for teenagers:
1. Help Out Around the House
“I will pitch in and help with at least one household chore daily within the next two months. This can include doing the dishes, taking out the trash, or helping with grocery shopping.”
Specific: The individual knows they need to pitch in and help around the house with chores.
Measurable: Make sure you can do at least one chore every day.
Attainable: Giving a helping hand at home can be done daily.
Relevant: Teenagers should do whatever they can to ensure things run smoothly in the home.
Time-based: You will ideally complete this SMART goal after two months.
2. Start a Part-Time Job
“I want to find and start a part-time job by the end of three months. I will research different job openings, write a professional resume, attend job interviews, and work to get a job that I am passionate about.”
Specific: The aim is to find and start a part-time job in the following three months.
Measurable: You can the number of job openings you research, the quality of your resume, and how many interviews you attend.
Attainable: This SMART goal can be achieved if the teen puts in enough effort to research and apply for job openings.
Relevant: Finding a part-time job is suitable for teens who want to gain valuable experience, develop new skills, and make some money.
Time-based: The statement should be attained by the end of three months.
3. Improve Your Grades
“My aim is to raise my average grade in all of my classes by one full letter grade (e.g., from a B- to a B) by the end of the school year. To accomplish this, I must focus more diligently in class and take advantage of any extra help my teachers offer.”
Specific: The purpose of this particular goal is to raise the current grade average.
Measurable: You could measure the one-letter grade difference that must be met.
Attainable: Depending on how much effort is put in, this academic goal should be feasible.
Relevant: Boosting one’s grades will not only benefit the teen in the long run, but it will also help them become better students.
Time-based: The deadline for success will be set at the end of the school year.
4. Take On a New Hobby
“I’ll explore and choose a new hobby over the two months ahead. I plan to take classes, research online, or join a club to help me develop this new interest. I want to challenge myself and learn something new that will bring me joy.”
Specific: The statement outlines what the person wants to achieve and the timeline.
Measurable: Follow the schedule of classes, online research, or club meetings.
Attainable: Learning a new hobby in two months is achievable if you remain focused and consistent.
Relevant: This is suitable because it encourages the teenager to explore and discover a new interest.
Time-based: There is a two-month end date for meeting this certain goal.
5. Build Your Network of Friends
“I’ll build my network of friends by attending social events, introducing myself to new people, and actively trying to keep in contact with friends. I will do this within four months to ensure a strong network of people who can support and encourage me when needed.”
Specific: The SMART goal is explicit because it describes building a network of friends.
Measurable: Gauge progress by counting the number of friends made within four months.
Attainable: Recognize that making friends is absolutely doable but will take time.
Relevant: Building a solid network of support and encouragement is pertinent for teens.
Time-based: Goal attainment is anticipated over the four months ahead.
6. Learn Basic Car Maintenance
“I will learn basic car maintenance such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake checks by the end of 6 months. I want to be able to take care of my car in an emergency and save money by not having to rely on a mechanic.”
Specific: This SMART goal is about gaining knowledge on car maintenance.
Measurable: Car maintenance tasks such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake checks will be learned.
Attainable: This is realistic since car maintenance can be self-taught with the help of online resources, books, and videos.
Relevant: Being able to take care of one’s car could save money and give peace of mind in the event of an emergency.
Time-based: There is a deadline of 6 months for the goal statement.
7. Get Involved in Community Service
“I hope to spend three hours a week participating in community service activities or volunteering at a local organization by the end of the year. I want to make a difference in my community and help those who need it the most.”
Specific: This is explicit since the teenager wants to commit to three hours of community service per week.
Measurable: Keep track of how many hours you spend on community service each week.
Attainable: The goal is achievable by consistently dedicating three hours a week to helping others in the community.
Relevant: Getting involved in community service is essential for any teen wanting to make a positive impact.
Time-based: You have until the end of the year to achieve your SMART statement.
8. Boost Your Time Management
“I want to improve my time management skills to make the most of every day. I’ll use a planner, set reminders on my phone, and learn to say no when needed. I hope to be more efficient with my time by the end of 7 months.”
Specific: This goal includes the tools you’ll use (a planner, phone reminders, saying no when needed) to improve your time management and the timeline of 7 months.
Measurable: You can check how you’ve allocated your time and the goals you achieve daily.
Attainable: Strengthening time management skills is doable with the right tools and strategies.
Relevant: Making the most of every day increases your productivity and effectiveness.
Time-based: Seven whole months are required for goal completion.
9. Save More Money
“Over the following 5 months, I will save 30% of my paychecks for future use by budgeting how much I need for food and entertainment, automatically transferring it to a savings account each month, and avoiding unnecessary purchases.”
Specific: The goal focuses on saving 30% of money within 5 months.
Measurable: The amount of money saved can be tracked through a savings account.
Attainable: By budgeting, avoiding unnecessary purchases, and automatically transferring money to a savings account, this goal can be realistically accomplished.
Relevant: Saving money is a critical life skill that will allow teens to be financially prepared for the future.
Time-based: Lasting success will be reached after 5 months.
10. Take Healthy Risks
“To develop my creative abilities and self-confidence, I’ll strive to take two healthy risks this year. Whether it is signing up for a dance class or speaking in front of a large audience, I want to challenge myself and see how much I can grow.”
Specific: The goal explains the objective and what will be done to achieve it.
Measurable: You could measure the risks taken and how well they are executed.
Attainable: This SMART statement is possible since it involves taking risks that are realistic.
Relevant: This is relevant to developing creative abilities and self-confidence as a teen.
Time-based: The time frame of this goal is the current year.
11. Become Financially Literate
“My goal is to become financially literate within 12 months. I will read books on personal finance, watch documentaries, and attend seminars to become knowledgeable about managing personal finances.”
Specific: You have outlined a plan of action—read books, watch documentaries, and attend seminars.
Measurable: Evaluate your progress regularly to determine if you are on track.
Attainable: Learning about personal finance is realistic and achievable.
Relevant: This is related to developing your financial understanding and setting yourself up for future success.
Time-based: You should expect to reach the goal after 12 months.
12. Reduce Social Media Time
“I plan to reduce the amount of time I spend on social media by 30 minutes a day and use that time to spend quality time with my family and friends. I will deactivate my account or turn off notifications if necessary.”
Specific: This goal specifies how much time needs to be reduced (30 minutes) and what should replace it (quality time with family and friends).
Measurable: You can assess your time on social media and with family and friends.
Attainable: Limiting your social media time is possible.
Relevant: Spending quality time with family and friends has a more meaningful impact than spending time online.
Time-based: You should consider this an ongoing commitment.
13. Start Exercising Regularly
“To improve my physical health and well-being, I’ll begin exercising for at least 20 minutes thrice a week within four months. I will use the gym at my school or look for affordable ways to exercise, like running outdoors or following free online programs.”
Specific: The teenager wants to begin exercising for at least 20 minutes thrice a week.
Measurable: It is clear that the person needs to exercise 20 minutes three times per week.
Attainable: This is reachable as you have specified an amount of time and frequency to exercise.
Relevant: This statement relates to the teenager’s physical health and wellness.
Time-based: The individual has set a window of four months to meet success.
The importance of setting SMART goals cannot be overstated. By providing a structured pathway, these goals empower teenagers to navigate the maze of adolescence with confidence and purpose.
We’ve explored 13 excellent examples of SMART goals, each tailored to fit teenagers’ unique needs and aspirations. But remember, these are merely starting points.
The true magic lies in adapting these examples to one’s circumstances and aspirations. Achieving goals is not just about setting them—it’s about maintaining motivation and resilience in facing challenges.
To all the teenagers out there, recognize that every small step is a victory. Celebrate your progress, learn from setbacks, and always keep your eyes on the prize.
Take advantage of the SMART method, and witness how it transforms your dreams into reality. Let that first step be to establish a SMART goal. Here’s to a future brimming with achievement and success.
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