Best Response: D

Explanation: Let’s start by reviewing what a SMART goal is.

SMART is a framework that helps make goals clear and achievable. It stands for:

• Specific → Focused and concrete (e.g., “raise my math grade” instead of “get better at math”).
• Measurable → Has numbers or criteria you can track.
• Achievable → Realistic given your time and resources.
• Relevant → Connected to something that matters to you.
• Time-bound → Includes a clear deadline.

A SMART goal turns a vague intention into a clear, trackable plan, making it far more likely you’ll follow through and succeed.

Natalie’s goal might sound motivated—but it’s not a SMART goal yet. Let’s break it down:

• Specific? Not really. “Get better at math” doesn’t define how she plans to improve or what success looks like. A specific goal would name a target, like improving her test scores or completing all homework on time.
• Measurable? Nope. There’s no way to tell if she’s making progress or when she’s “better.” A measurable goal would include something trackable, like “raise my grade from a B– to an A–.”
• Time-bound? Not quite. She mentions “this semester,” but without a clear end point or deadline tied to her goal, it’s still vague.

When you set a SMART goal, you give your brain clear instructions. That’s important because your executive functioning system—especially in the prefrontal cortex—works best when it knows what success looks like and how to get there.

A stronger version of Natalie’s goal would be:

“I will raise my math grade from a B– to an A– by the end of the semester by completing all homework on time and meeting with my teacher every Tuesday.”

That version is:

• Specific (raise the grade through homework + meetings)
• Measurable (B– to A–)
• Achievable (with weekly action steps)
• Relevant (she cares about her math grade)
• Time-bound (by the end of the semester)

Even if you’re just starting to build better habits, using the SMART framework can turn a vague intention into a real plan, one your brain is much more likely to follow through on.