Blueprint for Success Lesson Plan Grit & SMART Goals
Lesson Plan • 7th Grade • 40 Minutes
TIER 1 CLASSROOM
Objective
Students will define the components of SMART goals and explain how grit and perseverance contribute to achieving long-term objectives. Students will practice drafting their own SMART goals for personal or academic success.
Why This Matters
Developing grit helps students navigate challenges, while the SMART framework provides the structural "blueprint" needed to turn ambition into action. These skills are foundational for lifelong resilience and achievement.
Quick Specs
Time
40 Minutes
Audience
7th Grade
Approach
Active Learning
Materials Checklist
Slide Deck (inc. TED Talk)
Activity Instructions
SMART Goals Worksheet
Exit Tickets
Instructional Sequence
5 mins
Introduction
Greet students and introduce the concept of "Growth blue-printing." Briefly explain that goals are the destination, but grit is the engine. Set the stage for the TED Talk.
6 mins
TED Talk: Grit
Play Angela Lee Duckworth's TED Talk: Grit – The Power of Passion & Perseverance . Ask students to listen for the definition of grit and why talent isn't enough.
5 mins
Discussion
"How does grit relate to goals?"
Define grit: passion and perseverance for very long-term goals.
Introduce SMART as the structure to support that grit.
10 mins
Activity: Creating Goals
Hand out Instructions. Guide students through selecting a personal or academic focus. Encourage them to be "Specific" and "Time-bound" specifically, as these are common weak points.
10 mins
Worksheet Practice
Individual or pair work on the SMART Goals Worksheet. Circulate to provide "grit-checks"—reminding students that achievable goals still require effort!
4 mins
Exit Ticket & Closure
Distribute exit tickets. Wrap up by summarizing: "Goals are the blueprint; Grit is the build."
Blueprint for Success Slides Growth Laboratory
Blueprint
for Success
Building Grit and Perseverance through SMART Goals
Draft 01.0
What is Grit?
"Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals."
It's having stamina.
It's sticking with your future, day in and day out.
The Engine of Achievement
Talent might give you a head start, but grit keeps you in the race until you cross the finish line.
The Power of Grit
TED Talk: Angela Lee Duckworth
Video Link Provided:
https://revere-public-schools.lennylearning.org/view/ted-talk-grit-the-power-of-passion-perseverance
"Grit is living life like it's a marathon, not a sprint."
Reflect & Discuss
1. What did you learn about grit from the video?
2. How does grit relate to setting and achieving goals?
3. Can you be "gritty" if you don't have a plan?
The SMART Blueprint
S
Specific
M
Measurable
A
Achievable
R
Relevant
T
Time-bound
"Structure gives your grit a clear direction."
Specific
01
Define exactly what you want to achieve. No vague language!
Ask Yourself:
• Who is involved?
• What do I want to accomplish?
• Where will it happen?
Bad Example
"I want to do better in school."
Good Example
"I want to earn a B or higher in my Math class."
Measurable
02
How will you know when you've reached your goal?
Ask Yourself:
• How much?
• How many?
• How will I know I succeeded?
Numbers don't lie.
You need a way to track your progress.
Achievable
03
Your goal should stretch you, but still be within reach.
Is it realistic given your current tools, skills, and time?
The Grit Check:
Being gritty means working hard, but it doesn't mean doing the impossible. A goal that is too far out of reach can destroy motivation.
Relevant
04
Does this goal actually matter to you?
If you don't care about the goal, you won't use your grit to achieve it. It must align with your aspirations.
Time-Bound
05
Every goal needs a target date. Without a deadline, there's no urgency.
Set a Deadline.
"I will achieve this by..."
MAY 31st
Action Time
Grab your Activity Instructions and Worksheet. Let's start drafting your personal Blueprint for Success.
Goal Blueprint Worksheet Goal Blueprint
SMART Goal Drafting Sheet
Student Name
Date
S
Specific Goal
Exactly what do you want to achieve? Be clear and precise.
M
Measurable Progress
How will you track your success? What metrics or indicators will you use?
A
Achievable & Realistic
Is this realistic given your resources and grit? Why or why not?
R
Relevant to You
How does this goal align with your personal or academic aspirations?
T
Time-Bound Deadline
When is your target completion date?
The Grit Check
Sticking to a goal is hard. If you hit a roadblock, don't abandon the blueprint—adjust the strategy and keep building.
Blueprint Activity Guide Project Specifications
Activity Guide: Building Your SMART Goal
1
Identify the Target
Think about a personal or academic goal you want to achieve this semester. It should be something that requires real effort—something that will test your grit.
2
Apply the SMART Formula
Use these criteria as your quality control checklist:
Specific
Clearly define exactly what you want to achieve. Eliminate all "maybe" and "sort of" language.
Measurable
Determine how you will measure your progress. You need a way to prove you've reached the goal.
Achievable
Ensure your goal is realistic and attainable given your current situation and resources.
Relevant
Make sure this goal is meaningful to YOU. Grit only works when the result is worth the struggle.
Time-Bound
Set a firm deadline. Without a date on the calendar, it’s just a dream, not a goal.
3
Finalize & Brief
Write down your finalized SMART goal on your Goal Blueprint Worksheet. Be prepared to share your "blueprint" with the class for feedback!
Precision Planning v2.0
Grit Certified
Final Inspection Exit Ticket Final Inspection
Exit Ticket: SMART Knowledge Check
Name
Date
1 What does the 'S' in SMART goals stand for?
Specific
Simple
Significant
2 What does the 'M' in SMART goals stand for?
Manageable
Measurable
Meaningful
3 What does the 'A' in SMART goals stand for?
Achievable
Ambitious
Actionable
4 What does the 'R' in SMART goals stand for?
Realistic
Relevant
Reliable
5 What does the 'T' in SMART goals stand for?
Timely
Tangible
Time-bound
Quality Assured • Grit & Growth Curriculum
