Are you looking for examples of Smart Goals for ADHD? It can be difficult to set goals for yourself if you have ADHD. You may feel like you can’t focus on anything long enough to actually achieve something. Or, you may find that your goals are so big and overwhelming that you never even get started on them.
What are Smart Goals?
One way to overcome these challenges is to set what are called “SMART” goals. SMART is an acronym that stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. This system can help you to set goals that are more likely to be successful and develop organizational skills.
Since I have been working in ESS, I have been around special education teachers, which has given me a lot of insight. Most of our students are students with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). In these settings we create long-term goals and short-term goals.
ADHD Symptoms
ADHD Symptoms can be hard to manage. They range from anywhere from someone losing things constantly and being disorganized to hyperactivity and feeling “on the go” all the time. Someone with ADHD has a hard time making due dates but has a hard time waiting their turn by interrupting conversations. They are really difficult to manage with out support and or/ medication. Adults have a hard time making long term goals and kids always need direct instruction. Both need time management strategies to make the best use of their tine. Smart Goals for ADHD can help a lot!
IEP Team
We try to give them long term goals. Goal setting is so important for ADHD students. We are always trying to reach academic goals and better social skills. This usually is discussed with an IEP team where they have smart IEP goals.They usually offer a treatment plan for the child for the school year that consists of annual goals and measurable IEP goals. An important skill for personal goals is using target behavior.
SMART Goals Defined
Specific Goals
-Your goals should be clear and well-defined. You should know exactly what you want to achieve.
Measurable Goals
– You should be able to track your progress and see whether or not you are actually achieving your goal and completing due dates.
Achievable Goals
– Your goal should be something that is realistically attainable. It shouldn’t be so big or complicated that it feels impossible.
Relevant Goals
– Your goal should be something that is important to you and aligned with your values.
Time-bound
– You should set a deadline for yourself so that you have a sense of urgency and are more likely to actually achieve the goal.
Here are some examples of SMART goals for people with ADHD:
1. I will take my medication every day at the same time for one month.
2. I will read for 30 minutes every day for two weeks.
3. I will clean my room for 15 minutes every day for one week.
4. I will eat a healthy breakfast every day for one month.
5. I will exercise for 30 minutes three times per week for one month.
6. I will track my spending for one week to see where I can save money.
7. I will call a friend or family member once a week for one month.
8. I will practice meditation for 10 minutes every day for two weeks.
Get Printable Here
Other Examples of Smart Goals for ADHD– Targret Behaviors
1. I will finish my degree in 4 years by taking 2 classes per semester and 1 class over the summer.
2. I will get a promotion by asking my boss for more responsibility and then completing all tasks given to me within 2 weeks.
3. I will save $500 for a vacation by setting aside $50 from each paycheck and not spending any extra money for 3 months.
4. I will get in shape by going to the gym 3 times per week and eating a healthy diet 6 days per week.
5. I will improve my relationships with others by attending 1 social event per week and calling 1 friend or family member per day.
Whatever your goals may be, setting them using the SMART system can help you to better focus on what you need to do to achieve them. With a little planning and effort, you can reach your goals and improve your life.
Related Articles
Creating Effective ADHD Accommodations: A Comprehensive Checklist of 32
ADHD Symptom Checklist: Navigating ADHD with Kids
32 Effective ADHD Accommodations: A Comprehensive Checklist for a 504
13 Examples of Smart Goals for ADHD
Sensory Toys for Autism and ADHD: A Guide to Helping Your Child Succeed
20 Social Emotional IEP Goals: A Comprehensive Guide for Special Education Teachers
