Part of our Counselor’s Corner series. Click to read other posts in the Counselor’s Corner.

The weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer, which means many of us are counting down the days until school is out. If you have been putting off tasks or projects this year, summer is a perfect time to accomplish them.

Coming up with SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals can make accomplishing resolutions over the summer feel less overwhelming. Make your goals:

• Specific: What is it that you want to accomplish? This usually answers the 5 Ws—Who? What? Where? When? Why?
• Measurable: How much will you accomplish? When will you do it?
• Attainable: Is it realistic?
• Relevant: Does this goal meet a need?
• Time-bound: What is the deadline for meeting this goal?

Here are some suggestions for SMART resolutions and goals you can set for yourself as you plan for the summer ahead.

Professional Development
Summer is a perfect time to attend workshops and conferences or earn course credits. Research professional development, workshops, or certificate program opportunities near you related to your area of interest.

Poorly Defined Goal: Participate in professional development opportunities.
SMART Goal: I will attend three workshops related to technology between June 10 and August 10.

• Specific: The goal addresses what you want to accomplish and answers the 5 Ws.
• Measurable: The goal specifies the number of sessions.
• Attainable: This goal is realistic because it gives a manageable number of workshops for a two-month period.
• Relevant: The goal is relevant to an educator seeking professional development in technology.
• Time-bound: The goal is time-bound because it specifies the time frame in which it will be completed.

Another goal related to professional development could be taking course credits toward completing a master’s degree or certificate program.

Poorly Defined Goal: Take classes over the summer.
SMART Goal: I will enroll in two courses that will satisfy the requirements for my school certificate program between June 10 and August 10.

• Specific: The goal addresses what you want to accomplish and answers the 5 Ws.
• Measurable: The goal specifies the number of courses.
• Attainable: This goal is realistic because it gives a manageable number of courses for a two-month period.
• Relevant: The goal is relevant to an educator earning credits in a professional development program.
• Time-bound: The goal is time-bound because it specifies the time frame in which the goal will be completed.

Get Moving!
The summer is a great time to get back into an exercise routine if you have let it go over the school year. With the days getting longer, you can move your workout outdoors and enjoy the weather.

Poorly Defined Goal: Exercise.
SMART Goal: In order to be more active and healthier, I will schedule 45 minutes, five days a week to walk or run starting June 10.

• Specific: The goal addresses what you want to accomplish and answers the 5 Ws.
• Measurable: The goal specifies how often the behavior will occur and the duration of the time the behavior will occur.
• Attainable: This goal is realistic because it specifies a number of days per week, rather than every day. It also allows you to choose which days of the week you will participate in your goal, so if you need to rearrange your schedule, you can still be successful.
• Relevant: The goal is relevant to the life of a parent or educator who is seeking to be healthier and more active.
• Time-bound: The goal is time-bound because it specifies when the individual will start the goal.

What are your SMART goals for the summer?

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