Set SMART Goals

Fresh Foundations Day 2

For the next five weeks, I’ll be sharing quick posts to help you build a sustainable and joyful language learning practice. This series, Fresh Foundations, is all about actionable steps you can take in just 15-30 minutes a day to create a language learning routine that works for you.

If that sounds like something you’re ready for, let’s get into the activity for Day 2!

---

Have You Tried SMART Goals for Language Learning?

You’ve likely heard of SMART goals before, but have you ever actually applied them to your language learning journey?

One of my students, an English learner I’ve been working with for over 2 years, was sort of resistant to the coaching approach I use with other learners. He just wanted to “improve” his general level of English and didn’t want to set specific goals. He wanted traditional classes with a book and exercises, so that’s what we agreed on.

In October, he attended a leadership workshop where they reintroduced him to SMART goals, and something clicked. When he returned, he was more open to the idea, so we set two clear outcome goals:

1. At the annual meeting in January, I will participate three times.

2. I will understand 70% of what’s being said.

With these goals in mind, we created a focused plan. He began intensive listening practice and we worked on communication repair strategies (what to say if he didn’t understand or wasn’t understood).

At a smaller meeting in November, he tested his progress. For the first time, he made a comment in the meeting in front of everyone and understood over 80% of the discussion (10% OVER his original goal).

Thanks to setting these SMART goals, he got a boost in motivation and feels more in control of his progress.

Action Goals vs. Outcome Goals

One of the keys to my student’s success was the distinction between action goals and outcome goals.

• Action goals focus on the steps you’ll take: “I’ll practice listening daily for 30 minutes.”

• Outcome goals focus on the results you’re aiming for: “I’ll understand 70% of meetings by January.”

Both are essential, but outcome goals provide the “big picture.” They clarify your direction and set the foundation for meaningful action.

As the saying goes, where focus goes, energy flows.

So today’s task is to set a SMART goal for your language learning practice.

How to Set SMART Goals

SMART goals are:

• Specific: Focus on something concrete. For example, “Participate three times in a meeting,” or “Order a coffee in French.”

• Measurable: Use numbers or percentages. Even subjective metrics, like “I’ll speak with 80% confidence,” can help track progress.

• Achievable: Set realistic goals. “Learn Russian in 30 days” isn’t going to happen, but “Hold a basic conversation for 5 minutes in three months” might.

• Relevant: Connect your goals to your motivation. Why are you learning? To watch anime in Japanese? To prepare for an overseas trip? Your “why” will keep you going when motivation fades.

• Time-Bound: Deadlines create momentum. Short-term goals are especially motivating: “I’ll have three conversations at the party in March.”

From Goals to Action

It’s easy to read this and think, “I should do that,” but taking the first step is what makes the difference. Set a SMART goal for your language learning and use it as a guide to build your plan.

When you take the time to set clear goals, you give your efforts direction and purpose. Whether your aim is to order coffee with confidence, excel in a business meeting, or pass a language exam, SMART goals can help you get there.

What’s your next goal? Write it down, and consider sharing a photo in the comments so we can all hold each other accountable.