MY GOAL IS SMART

1. Basic Information

Method Title: My Goal is SMART

Author / Organisation: KID_Preneurship Project Consortium

Country: Latvia / European Project

Original Project: KID_Preneurship

Project Number: 2020-1-LV01-KA201-077505

Theme / Topic: Goal Setting; Personal Development; Entrepreneurship; Planning Skills

Keywords / Tags: SMART goals, goal setting, personal development, entrepreneurship, planning, vision board, motivation, self-reflection

CIVIKI Pillars

Primary Pillar: Entrepreneurship Education

Secondary Pillars: Critical Thinking; Creativity Techniques

 

2. Overview

Short Description

“My Goal is SMART” is an interactive learning activity that introduces participants to the SMART goal-setting framework. Through guided reflection and the creation of a visual vision board, participants learn how to formulate realistic, achievable and motivating personal or professional goals.

 

Purpose of the Method

To help participants develop effective goal-setting and planning skills by applying the SMART framework and visualising their personal or professional aspirations.

Learning Outcomes (Skills / Knowledge / Attitudes)

Participants:

  • understand the SMART goal-setting method;
  • distinguish between vague wishes and well-defined goals;
  • improve planning and organisational skills;
  • strengthen self-reflection and motivation;
  • develop realistic action plans for achieving personal or professional objectives.

 

3. Target Group

Target Group: Adult learners, educators, trainers, job seekers, entrepreneurs, community members and participants in personal development programmes.

Age Range: 16+

Group Size: 8–25 participants

Required Prior Knowledge: No previous knowledge is required.

 

4. Practical Details

Duration: Approximately 60 minutes, plus a short follow-up activity at a later stage.

Setting (online / offline / hybrid): Offline, online or hybrid

Group Work / Individual: Individual work followed by pair exchange and group discussion.

Materials / Tools Needed:

  • Flipchart or presentation
  • SMART goal worksheet
  • Old magazines or printed images
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • A3 paper or cardboard
  • Markers
  • Optional: Canva, Miro or Padlet for digital vision boards

 

5. Method Description (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Introduction

The facilitator introduces the concept of goal setting and explains why clearly defined goals are important for personal, professional and entrepreneurial development.

 

Step 2: Understanding SMART Goals

Participants learn the five SMART criteria:

  • Specific – What exactly do I want to achieve?
  • Measurable – How will I know that I have achieved it?
  • Achievable – Is the goal realistic with the available resources?
  • Relevant – Why is this goal important?
  • Time-bound – When do I want to achieve it?

Examples are discussed together and can be adapted to participants’ interests.

 

Step 3: Defining a Personal or Professional Goal

Each participant chooses a personal or professional goal according to their own interests and formulates it according to the SMART framework.

Participants first work individually on their SMART goal before sharing it with a partner.

 

Step 4: Creating a Vision Board

Participants create a visual representation of their goal using magazine cut-outs, drawings, keywords or digital tools. The vision board illustrates both the goal and the motivation behind it.

 

Step 5: Pair Exchange, Presentation and Reflection

Participants first share their SMART goal and vision board in pairs. They discuss whether the goal meets the SMART criteria and provide feedback to each other.

The goals can then be shared in small groups or in plenary. Peer feedback focuses on whether the goal meets the SMART criteria and how it could be strengthened.

 

Step 6: Personal Action Planning

Each participant identifies the first practical steps needed to begin working towards the goal and reflects on possible challenges and available support.

 

Step 7: Follow-up Activity

At a later stage, participants review their SMART goal and reflect on their progress. They consider:

  • What progress have I made?
  • Which steps have I completed?
  • What challenges have I encountered?
  • Do I need to adjust my goal or action plan?

Participants can briefly discuss their progress with a partner.

 

6. Pedagogical Approach

Methods used

  • Goal-setting methodology
  • Visualisation
  • Reflection
  • Experiential learning
  • Peer learning
  • Collaborative discussion

 

Why this approach is effective

The SMART framework helps participants transform ideas into achievable objectives. The combination of structured planning and visualisation increases motivation, supports self-awareness and encourages participants to take ownership of their personal and professional development.

 

7. Inclusion & Accessibility

How inclusion is ensured

The method allows participants to define goals according to their own interests, abilities and life situations. Visual and verbal activities support different learning styles.

 

Adaptations for disadvantaged groups

  • Use simple language.
  • Provide examples of SMART goals.
  • Offer printed templates.
  • Allow digital or paper-based vision boards.
  • Encourage peer support during reflection.

 

8. Sustainability Aspect

Although primarily focused on personal development, the method can encourage participants to formulate goals related to sustainable lifestyles, active citizenship, lifelong learning or community engagement. It supports sustainable personal development by promoting realistic planning and responsible decision-making.

 

9. Evaluation & Feedback

Evaluation Methods

  • Observation of participation
  • Review of SMART goals
  • Vision board presentations
  • Reflection discussion
  • Follow-up reflection on progress

 

Tools Used (self/peer/trainer)

  • Self-reflection
  • Peer feedback
  • Facilitator observation

 

10. Output / Result

Final Outcome

A clearly defined SMART goal, accompanied by a visual vision board and a personal action plan that supports participants in achieving their objectives.

 

11. Transferability

The method can be adapted for entrepreneurship education, career guidance, civic education, lifelong learning, coaching, mentoring and community development programmes. Goals can focus on personal growth, employment, education, sustainability or civic participation.

 

12. Additional Resources

Links / Files / Tools

 

Original Project

KID_Preneurship – Project Number: 2020-1-LV01-KA201-077505