MMM#9: Why I hate SMART goals

We read in a previous Newsletter (MMM#6) that it's really important to have clear goals for your life and to have clarity on  where are you going in your life?

In this Newsletter, we're going to look at how we can make those goals as effective as possible.

Setting SMART goals may seem like a good way to reach success, but I strongly disagree - here's why

You've probably come across the concept of SMART goals. To be honest, it seems a bit cliché to me. I don't really like it. The idea that goals have to be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely. It doesn't get me very excited, plus, aren't specific and measurable pretty much the same thing? Also, isn't achievable and realistic the same too? I'm not sure if I'm missing something, but I don't really like the smart goals approach.

I would like to suggest that your goals should be V.A.S.T. goals instead: Visual, Aspirational, Specific and Timely. 

Visualizing goals can help you achieve better outcomes

Being able to Visualise your goals is a powerful tool that can help individuals to achieve their goals more effectively. There are several reasons why visualizing your goals can lead to better outcomes:

1. Clarity: When you visualize your goals, you are able to see them more clearly and in greater detail. This helps to clarify what you want to achieve and provides a roadmap for how to get there. Visualizing your goals also helps to eliminate any confusion or doubt about what you want to achieve, making it easier to focus your efforts.
2. Motivation: Visualizing your goals can be highly motivating, as it makes your aspirations feel more real and attainable. This can increase your confidence and help you to push through any obstacles that may arise along the way.
3. Better focus: When you visualize your goals, you are training your mind to focus on what you want to achieve. This helps to eliminate distractions and keep you focused on your objectives, even when you encounter setbacks or challenges.
4. Improved memory: Visualizing your goals helps to embed them in your memory, making it easier to recall them and stay focused on your aspirations. This can be especially helpful when you are working towards a long-term goal and need to remain motivated and focused over a period of time.

Set Aspirational goals to push and stretch you

A is for Aspirational goals. These are goals that challenge and inspire you, and are critical for personal growth and success. Here are several reasons why it is important to make your goals as aspirational as possible:

1. Personal growth: Aspirational goals push you to grow and stretch beyond your comfort zone, leading to personal growth and development. By challenging yourself to reach for something bigger and better, you are able to gain new skills, experiences, and insights that can benefit you both personally and professionally.
2. Increased motivation: Aspirational goals often generate a greater level of excitement and motivation, as they inspire you to reach for something greater than yourself. This can help you to overcome obstacles and stay focused on your desired outcome, even when faced with setbacks or challenges.
3. Increased satisfaction and fulfillment: When you achieve your aspirational goals, you are more likely to feel a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. This can increase your overall happiness and sense of well-being, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
4. Inspiration for others: By setting and achieving aspirational goals, you can inspire others to do the same. This can help to create a positive and uplifting environment, leading to a better and more meaningful life for everyone involved.

Specific goals provide a clear direction

Setting specific goals is an important step in the process of achieving success. Specific goals provide a clear direction and make it easier to measure progress, which can increase the likelihood of achieving desired outcomes. Here are several reasons why it is important to make your goals as specific as possible:

1. Clarity: Specific goals provide a clear understanding of what you want to achieve, making it easier to focus your efforts and stay on track. This can help to eliminate confusion and doubt, leading to better outcomes.
2. Improved measurement of progress: Specific goals make it easier to measure progress and track your progress over time. This can help you to identify any areas where you need to make adjustments and adjust your efforts accordingly, leading to better outcomes.
3. Improved accountability: When your goals are specific, it becomes easier to hold yourself accountable and take responsibility for your actions. This can help to increase your focus and motivation, leading to better results.

Making your goals as specific as possible is important for clarity, improved measurement of progress, and improved accountability. By providing a clear direction and making it easier to measure progress, specific goals can increase the likelihood of achieving desired outcomes and lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Timely goals provide a sense of urgency and keep you focused

Having timely goals is an important factor in achieving success. Timing is critical when it comes to setting and achieving goals, as it provides a sense of urgency and helps to keep you focused and motivated. Here are several reasons why it is important to make your goals timely:

1. Urgency: Timing adds a sense of urgency to your goals, which can help to increase motivation and focus. When you have a deadline to work towards, it can help you to prioritize your efforts and take action more quickly.
2. Better planning: By setting a deadline for your goals, you are forced to plan and organize your efforts, which can improve your chances of success. This can help you to allocate resources effectively and make the most of your time and energy.
3. Improved accountability: When your goals are timed, it becomes easier to hold yourself accountable and take responsibility for your actions. This can help to increase your focus and motivation, leading to better results.

Making your goals timely is important for urgency, better planning, and improved accountability. By providing a sense of urgency and helping you to prioritize your efforts, timely goals can increase the likelihood of achieving desired outcomes and lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Final thoughts

It seems like most people focus on achieving success when it comes to goal setting, but I think enjoyment is just as important, if not more so. If you are only achieving things but not having any fun while you're doing it, that won't be satisfying in the long run. That's why I think goals need to include having fun and also achieving things. So you get the best of both worlds. The typical plan seems to be working hard during the week and then having fun over the weekend, but that leaves you feeling empty and not really fulfilled. What if you could find something that you enjoy doing and also reap the benefits of achievement? Wouldn't that be great?

If you don't enjoy the job you're currently in, it's time to start looking for another one that is more enjoyable for you. Think about what kind of work you'd love to do and don't worry about the pay; that will come in due time. Find something that you can be passionate about, something that makes you happy to be doing it five days a week. You don't have to be famous or rich, just find something that brings you joy and something that you can look back on and say, "I did that!". Make sure you enjoy your job, but also keep in mind what you'd like to achieve outside of the workplace. Don't just have a list of things you want to do, also add three more to make them even better.

Alright, so if you want to make your goals more achievable, the first step is to add some dates - like, when do you want to go campervanning in Australia? Your subconscious can start thinking ahead, and you'll have to take action to make it happen. The second step is to create a plan. How will you save up the money? How will you get the time off? Having a plan for each goal will make them more achievable. Finally, focus on your goals every day - even if it's just a minute. Just imagine what it will be like when you're in Australia, playing in a band, or staying fit, or whatever it is you're aiming for. It will keep your subconscious focused, and you'll be more likely to make it happen. So to recap: break down your goals into achievable tasks, put dates and a plan to them, and focus on them every day. That should help get you where you want to be!