SMART goals are typically associated with teams, as managers set them for subordinates, but you can implement this productivity-boosting strategy for yourself on an individual level, too.

A goal is something that you are willing to work for. You can get what you want by planning AND following the plan. Setting achievable -- and SMART -- goals is your first step to success.

Let's use one of the goals we covered in our SMART Goals article to develop a sample action plan. Goal: Take two classes a semester, a general CLEP exam each month, and use my Military Experience ...