Setting Goals That Stick: How to Use SMART Goals to Build Your Career

      When you're starting something new—whether it’s a job, a training program, or your own business—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the possibilities. That’s where SMART Goals come in.

      SMART Goals help break big dreams into small, doable steps. They give you direction, help you stay focused, and make it easier to see your progress.

      And in our Career Development Program (CDP), this is one of the first tools we introduce. Why? Because the most successful participants are the ones who set clear goals and take consistent steps toward them.

      Let’s break it down.

      What are SMART Goals?

      SMART is an acronym. It stands for:

      • Specific – What exactly do you want to accomplish?

      • Measurable – How will you know you’re making progress?

      • Achievable – Is this something you can realistically do?

      • Relevant – Does it help you move toward your bigger goals?

      • Time-bound – When will you finish it?

      Here’s an example of a goal that isn’t SMART:

      “I want to get a better job.”

      Now here’s that same goal, rewritten as a SMART Goal:

      “I will complete my food handler certification by July 15 so I can apply to jobs at restaurants and cafeterias by August 1.”

      It’s clear, realistic, and has a deadline.

      How This Connects to the CDP

      The Career Development Program (CDP) is designed to help you build a path forward—whether you're looking to get hired, grow in your role, or eventually start your own business. SMART Goals are the foundation of that process.

      Why SMART Goals Matter

      Most people don’t fall short because they’re not trying. They fall short because their goals are too vague or too big to manage all at once. SMART Goals help you:

      • Take the guesswork out of what to do next

      • Build momentum with small wins

      • Stay motivated by tracking your progress

      • Communicate more clearly with mentors, supervisors, and coaches

      How to Set Your Own SMART Goals

      1. Start with something you care about. Maybe you want to get a job in the food industry. Maybe you want to start a business one day. That’s your “why.”

      2. Break it into smaller steps. If your big goal is to work in a kitchen, a smaller SMART Goal might be to pass your ServSafe certification.

      3. Write it down. Keep it somewhere you can see it. Better yet, tell someone who can help hold you accountable.

      4. Review and adjust. Life happens. If you fall behind, reset your timeline and keep going. Progress is still progress.

      Here’s one more example:

      “I will practice my interview answers for 30 minutes every day for the next two weeks.”

      That’s a SMART Goal—and a solid step toward landing your next opportunity.

      CAREER DEVELOPMENT

      If you’re just learning about the program, check it out here. Whether you’re looking for your first job or building toward entrepreneurship, the CDP is here to support you—one SMART Goal at a time.

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