Achieving Personal Success with SMARTER Goals
In the world of goal setting, you've probably come across the SMART acronym, which outlines the essential characteristics of effective goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. These criteria provide a solid foundation for defining and pursuing goals in various aspects of life. However, in our fast-paced, ever-changing world, it's become essential to take our goal-setting a step further. That's where SMARTER goals come into play, with two additional criteria that make them even more powerful: Evaluated and Reviewed.
Let's briefly review the original SMART criteria:
Specific: Goals should be crystal clear, leaving no room for ambiguity. Anyone reading your goal should know precisely what you're aiming to achieve.
Measurable: Goals should be quantifiable. You should be able to track your progress and determine when you've successfully reached your goal.
Achievable: Goals should be realistic and attainable, considering available resources and constraints, while also challenging enough to inspire growth.
Relevant: Goals should align with your broader objectives, whether they're personal, professional, or organizational. They should have a meaningful impact.
Time-bound: Goals should have a deadline, fostering a sense of urgency and enabling progress tracking.
Now, let's dive into the SMARTER framework, where goals become even more dynamic and adaptable:
Evaluated: Successful goal pursuit isn't just about setting a target and charging ahead. It's about regular evaluation and assessment. Ask yourself: Is this goal still on track? Is it still relevant to my life? Evaluation allows for necessary adjustments to keep your goals aligned with your evolving priorities.
Reviewed: Periodic review is equally crucial. Life is fluid, and circumstances change. What made perfect sense a few months ago may not apply today. If a goal no longer aligns with your current situation or aspirations, be willing to modify or replace it. Flexibility is key to long-term success.
However, even with SMARTER goals in place, some individuals find themselves falling short of their objectives or feeling unsatisfied after achieving them. Why does this happen?
In many cases, the root of the issue lies in changing priorities or pursuing goals that drain our energy. The solution? Applying the SMARTER framework to personal goals.
Specific and Simple: While goals should remain specific, they should also be straightforward. If you can explain your goal to a child, it's both simple and specific. Simplicity enhances clarity and comprehension.
Measurable, Meaningful, and Motivating: Measurability remains essential for tracking progress, but don't underestimate the power of motivation. The more a goal inspires you, the likelier it is to be achieved. Additionally, consider having multiple paths to your target. If one route is blocked, having alternatives keeps you on track.
Achievable, All Areas of Life, and As if Now: Ensure your goals are realistically achievable, and consider their impact on various aspects of your life—personal, familial, and social. If a goal positively affects all areas (or at least doesn't harm them), your motivation will soar.
Right and Responsible: A goal's realism isn't always enough for true satisfaction. It should also be right for you. Goals should enhance the positive aspects of your life, making you more resilient in overcoming obstacles and savoring success.
Towards: When setting your goals, ensure they're framed in a positive light, emphasizing what you aim to achieve rather than what you wish to avoid.
Ecology: Recognize that your goals have far-reaching effects. They influence not only your workspace but also your entire life and social network. Consider questions like:
What will happen when the goal is achieved?
What will occur if the goal isn't accomplished?
What won't happen when the goal is achieved?
What won't happen when the goal isn't accomplished?
Understanding a goal's real impact on your life will help you avoid pitfalls and maintain motivation.
Resources: Always consider your available resources. What's necessary for goal attainment? Identify the required funds, time, and people to successfully accomplish your goals.
By incorporating these elements into your personal goals, you'll create a roadmap for success that not only takes into account the fast-paced world around us but also ensures your journey is fulfilling and aligned with your values. SMARTER personal goals empower you to achieve a harmonious balance between business and life, making your dreams a reality without draining your positive energy along the way.
So, are you ready to embark on this journey toward achieving your most meaningful and fulfilling personal goals? SMARTER is the way forward.