Students get S.M.A.R.T. when setting new goals

Seminar teaches ways to success

Teaching students how to set and keep their goals, the University Recreation Center hosted a "How Setting Goals are the Key to Success" seminar Jan. 22.

Veronica Whalen, graduate assistant for fitness and nutrition at UREC, explained a series of successful goal-setting steps, named S.M.A.R.T.

She said goals are particularly important to college students because "if you don't learn how to set goals now, when you get into the real world, it can be difficult."

The S.M.A.R.T. method of achieving goals is applicable to anything in life, since it puts a person on the right track toward achieving his or her goals, according to Whalen. The benefits of this are clarified expectations, increased performance and increased motivation, she said.

Whalen used a fitness-based approach in her seminar, drawing from her own life experience of training for a half-marathon.

Whalen described the S.M.A.R.T. steps and how they will help individuals reach their goals.

The "S" stands for specific. Whalen wanted the participants to ask themselves why their goal is important, what its achievement will mean and if they are doing it for someone else rather than themselves. Whalen also said not to use broad guidelines and to personalize the goal.

The "M" is for measurable because a goal needs something to be measured against. One should keep a log on the progression, current status and feelings one has in undertaking one's goal.

The "A" stands for action-oriented. Whalen stressed a right mind-set:make a plan, write it out and post it where it is easily visible. She also encouraged participants to get help from others when needed.

The "R" is for keeping the goal realistic. This gives a higher chance at success, according to Whalen. 
"Trying to do more than you are capable of could be dangerous," she added. "When in doubt, ask someone who is knowledgeable."

The "T" stands for time-stamped. Deadlines with a time table make procrastination less likely.

The seminar was summarized by the encouragement to "keep committed." This can come from group support, Whalen said. It is helpful to have someone hold you accountable, she added.

Also, when working with other people, one can offer incentives for each other.

Students said they learned many things from this seminar.

"You need to make an exact time slot for your goal," freshman Laura Mustian said.

Senior Valeda Michael said, "[It is important to] learn a process of organizing your goals, because it's important for efficiency, especially later in life in the workplace."

Whalen mentioned the availability of Nutrition Analysis, as well as Fitness Assessments and Personal Training at UREC — all of which can be registered for at program registration. For more information, contact Annette Biggs at biggsax or Whalen at whalenvl.