Correct Response: B. Listing goals by priority and then deciding on realistic implementation strategies are actions that reflect elements of SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic/results-focused, and time-bound) goal setting. In this case, the student has already identified specific goals. Prioritizing these goals will help the student determine which ones are the most important. Deciding on strategies for implementing these high-priority goals shows that the student is results-focused. Extrapolating a long-term goal from each short-term goal (A) may help the student understand the reason for each goal, but it could actually hinder progress, because a long-term goal will not be as time-bound and thus as achievable as a short-term goal. Using a calendar to set a due date for each goal (C) should be done as part of SMART goal planning, but in isolation, setting due dates will be less effective than the strategy of prioritizing goals. Reviewing the goals to determine whether any tasks can be accomplished simultaneously or shared (D) also involves understanding the time frame for achieving the goal; however, as with setting a due date, this activity should be preceded by determining which goals are the most important and achievable.
