A Student’s Guide To Set SMART Goals for 2022

Every new year brings the promise of a fresh start. It is the perfect time to think about all the important goals you want to accomplish and build your vision for the next twelve months. You might have already got a head start by jotting down your resolutions for 2022 — learn a new skill, indulge in self-care, or ace that exam.

While you are hopeful about achieving it all, have you ever wondered how to keep your new year’s resolutions? Remember, goals without a plan are nothing but dreams. However, you hold the power to make your dreams come true by setting intentional and measurable goals.

Plan Your Goals for 2022

Did you know that the simple act of writing down your goals makes it more likely that you will achieve them? A great way to create a new years resolution tracker is by first defining your goals the SMART way.

As the acronym suggests, this is a method through which you can set smart objectives for 2022. This year might be one of the most crucial ones in your academic life. So, how can you make the most of it to improve as well as equip yourself for success in the future? You can begin by following this SMART Goals template:

Here is a typical new year’s resolution example: 

“I will score better marks this year.”

Here is a SMART Goals example for students:

“I will score 95% in my next exam. I will do this by learning concepts for 3 hours and solving practice problems for 2 hours every day. I will write mock tests and solve previous years question papers of all my subjects every week to improve my score. I will also complete two revisions per subject before my exams to be thorough with my concepts.”

Now, this goal sounds more intentional and achievable. After setting measurable goals by giving them a target and a timeline, you will have a clear vision of what you want, and get a better understanding of how to keep your new year’s resolutions.

How To Set SMART Goals for the New Year

1. Be Specific

Your goal must be very clear and as specific as it can be. If you don’t define what your goal exactly is, you may not find the motivation to go after it. Ask yourself the 5 W’s to understand your goal better – What exactly do I want to accomplish? Why is this goal important to me? Who needs to be involved to achieve this goal? Where is this goal located? Which resources or limits are involved?

For example: Don’t say, “I want to learn a new language this year.” Instead, say, “I want to learn 2000 words of French this year and join a French club to improve fluency.”

Image: People illustrations by Storyset

2. Make it Measurable

Once you have a specific goal in mind, think about how you can make it tangible or measurable. A great way to do this is by setting targets for tasks within your goal. Therefore, each time you reach a milestone, you will feel more confident about going after the next one. Start by answering these questions – How much? How many? What is my target?

For example: Don’t say, “I will start jogging this year.” Instead, say, “I will jog for five kilometres at 6 am every day.”

Image: People illustrations by Storyset

3. Make Sure it is Attainable

Every SMART goal needs to be realistic and achievable. It’s great to have ambition, but if you currently do not have the resources for it, you might be setting yourself up for failure. Instead, make note of all the tools and skills you require to achieve your goal. If the list sounds doable, then go for it. Ask yourself these questions – How can I accomplish this goal? What are the tools or skills I need? Are there any financial or time constraints that I need to evaluate?

For example: Don’t say, “I will become an expert guitarist this year.” Instead, say, “I will attend guitar classes every weekend and learn three of my favourite songs to perform at the Christmas party this year.”

Image: People illustrations by Storyset

4. Assess if Relevant

When you think of a new goal, you have to reflect on whether it matters to you this year. Your goal must align with your other plans for the foreseeable future. Ask yourself these questions to know if your goal is necessary for the time being – Is this worthwhile? Is this the right time? Does this match my efforts or needs?

For example: Don’t say, “I will get a high score in this game even if I have to stay up late.” Instead, say, “I will spend my 15-minute breaks in playing this game to relax. I will deprioritise my need for a high score and focus on getting a good night’s sleep to achieve more important goals.”

Image: People illustrations by Storyset

5. Make it Time-Bound

Every goal needs a deadline so that you can push yourself to achieve it. Setting a realistic timeline for your targets helps you prioritise your tasks for the long term. If you have short term targets for each of your tasks, you can keep tabs on your progress. Create a goal tracker by answering these questions – By when can I achieve this goal? What will I be able to complete in six months? What can I finish in six weeks? What can I do today?

For example: Don’t say, “I will develop a reading habit this year.” Instead, say, “I will read one book a month for the next four months. Thereafter, I will read two books a month. I will do this by reading for an hour every night before sleeping.”

Image: People illustrations by Storyset

New Year. New You!

Resolutions are wonderful; they give you motivation and hope to attain the future you deserve. We all want to be a better version of ourselves than we were a year before. So, we often wait for the new year as the perfect time to begin a new journey. Now that you have learned the SMART way, start working on your goals today. Remember to take things one day at a time, because Rome wasn’t built in a day. While you’re chasing your dreams, don’t forget to check in on your mental health, stay hydrated, and take breaks. You owe it to yourself to be at your best in order to be the best. 

Have you set your new year resolutions yet? Tell us in the comments what are your SMART Goals for 2022!