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SMART Goals

Guide


Creating SMART goals is an effective way to turn your aspirations into reality. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, and by following these guidelines, you can create goals that are practical, actionable, and attainable.


Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create SMART goals:


Be Specific: Your goal should be clear and unambiguous. Clearly define what you want to achieve and be specific about what you want to accomplish. For example, instead of setting a goal to "study more," set a goal to "study for two hours every day."


Make it Measurable: Your goal should have a way to measure progress and determine success. Set a concrete target, such as achieving a certain grade in a class or completing a specific number of assignments.


Ensure it's Achievable: Your goal should be challenging but realistic. Consider your abilities, resources, and time constraints when setting your goal. If you have a heavy course load, it may not be realistic to aim for a perfect GPA.


Keep it Relevant: Your goal should align with your values, interests, and long-term aspirations. Make sure your goal is meaningful to you and contributes to your personal growth and development.


Set a Time-Bound Deadline: Your goal should have a specific timeline for completion. This will help you stay accountable and motivated. For example, set a goal to "complete all assignments for the semester by December 1st."


When creating SMART goals, it is important to remember that they should be flexible and adaptable. Be open to adjusting your goals as needed and celebrate your progress along the way.


In addition to setting SMART goals, it can also be helpful to break down your goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. This can help you stay motivated and focused, and make it easier to track your progress.


By following these steps, you can create goals that are achievable, meaningful, and help you make the most out of your college experience.

 



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From the Editor-in-Chief

Cody Thomas Rounds
Editor-in-Chief, Learn Do Grow

Welcome to Learn Do Grow, a publication dedicated to fostering personal transformation and professional growth through self-help and educational tools. Our mission is simple: to connect insights from psychology and education with actionable steps that empower you to become your best self.

As a board-certified clinical psychologist, Vice President of the Vermont Psychological Association (VPA), and a national advocate for mental health policy, I’ve had the privilege of working at the intersection of identity, leadership, and resilience. From guiding systemic change in Washington, D.C., to mentoring individuals and organizations, my work is driven by a passion for creating meaningful progress.

Learn Do Grow is a reflection of that mission. Through interactive modules, expert-authored materials, and experiential activities, we focus on more than just strategies or checklists. We help you navigate the deeper aspects of human behavior, offering tools that honor your emotional and personal experiences while fostering real, sustainable growth.

Every issue, article, and resource we produce is crafted with one goal in mind: to inspire change that resonates both within and beyond. Together, we’ll explore the worlds inside you and the opportunities around you—because growth isn’t a destination; it’s a journey.

Thank you for being part of this transformative experience. Let’s learn, do, and grow—together.

Warm regards,
Cody Thomas Rounds
Editor-in-Chief, Learn Do Grow

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