S.M.A.R.T.

S - Specific: specific goals state exactly at what you are aiming. They are not vague or confusing.

Example: My goal is to buy a bass guitar.

M - Measurable: measurable goals state what you want and when you want it.

Example: My goal is to buy a bass guitar by five months from today.

A - Action-oriented: action-oriented goals spell out exactly HOW you will achieve the goal. What will you do?

Example: To buy my bass guitar, I will save $50/month from my earnings.

R - Realistic: realistic goals are possible. They may be hard, but they are not just wild dreams.

Example: If I do not forget about this goal, it is very realistic.

T - Timely: timely goals give you enough time to achieve them, but not too much!

Example: Five months will give me $250, enough for a solid bass guitar.

FranklinCovey