1. It’s About Time:
Turning What You Want
Into Goals You Can
Achieve
Carolyn Rubin, M.S. Ed
Yeshiva University
Associate Director of Academic Support
116 Laurel Hill Terrace
646-685-0109
academicsupport.wilf@yu.edu

2. A goal is a dream with a
deadline
(Napoleon Hill 1883-1970)

3.  To improve my grades
 To go to college
 To get a job
 To learn how to play an instrument
 To visit my cousin in California
 To get along with my family
 To be a famous singer
What Do I Want?

4. Make your wants a reality
by creating SMART goals

5. Specific
Measurable
Action
Realistic
Time
What are SMART goals?

6. Specific
Not specific: I want to improve my
grades.
Specific: I want to raise my grade in
science by 5 points by the end of the
term.
What specific result do I want?

7. Measurable
Not measurable: I want to lose a lot
of weight.
Measurable: I want to lose 10 pounds
by June 1 and will weigh myself
every Monday for the next 3 months.
How will I measure my progress?

8. Action
Incorrect:I will study to improve my
grades.
Correct: I will read the textbook and
review my notes for 20 minutes
twice a week.
What action do I need to take?

9. Realistic
Not realistic: I want to score 50 points
in the next basketball game.
Realistic:I want to hit 7 out of 10 free
throws.
Is this something I can achieve?

10. Time
Incorrect: I want to learn to play an
instrument.
Correct:I want to learn to play the
“Star Spangled Banner” on piano by
June 15.
What is the time frame for my
goal?

11. Obstacles are those frightful
things you see when you
take your eyes
off your goal
(Henry Ford)

12.  Fear of failure
 Not sure how to get started
 You can’t make me do it
 Who wants to do that?
 Lack of energy or focus
 It needs to be perfect
Why do you procrastinate?

13. Based on Seven Habits of Highly Successful People, Stephen Covey
How Should I Spend My Time?