You'd think that if something was specifically called "SMART" that you could trust it to definitely and thoroughly be a smart thing... Well, I'd like to share with you THREE ways that "SMART" goals are NOT so smart and introduce and enhanced formula for goal-setting.
So, first, what does "SMART" stand for? Chances are you have been instructed to create SMART goals both for your department as well as for your personal development plan. The acronym has been credited George Doran who introduced the concept in a Management Review in 1981. It stands for that good goals should be: S - Specific M - Measurable A - Achievable R - Realistic T - Time bound Sounds pretty sound, right? Yet, I’d like to challenge this way of goal setting on three counts. Here's the first one… Is mediocrity a goal of yours? The first aspects of SMART goals I'd encourage you to question is the "Achievable & Realistic" parts. Although this guideline is surely well intended, as a way of setting ourselves up for success by setting goals that are "within reach", but how exciting is that!? How far will that really take you? Just think back in your own life – re-call a time when you accomplished something that made you really proud of yourself. An achievement that made you say: "YESSS, I really did that!" From the get-go when you initially set that goal, was it clearly within reach? Was the time you worked on this goal free of worry about being able to achieve it or not? I’m guessing not. In January of 2013 I started working with a new coach and she asked me what main goal I had for the 6 months we were to work together. I boldly said I want to quit my job. She asked "By when?" and I surprised myself by quickly responding "Before the summer". Immediately after saying it, I couldn't believe I had just said that out loud, that I was actually committing to this goal “officially”. Wow, I had actually put a date on this longstanding wish of mine to leave my corporate job to become a full time coach. Long story short; the spring was full of hesitation when I frequently talked myself into staying - I was after all at a great company, making good money, had great colleagues that had practically felt like family after so many years etc. etc. - but early May I resigned and I have never felt more empowered and free. At the time it definitely felt like a leap requiring a big dose of faith! I believe that to really accomplish something extraordinary and truly grow as individuals we need to stretch ourselves outside our comfort zone. We need to set goals that push us to expand beyond what we know we can do and into our true capacity. So, to truly set SMART goals I believe they also have to be ASPIRATIONAL If this was useful, please like, comment and follow! I also invite you to read about two other reasons SMART goals aren't so smart... 2) "So what?" & 3) "Got your blinders on?" Comments are closed.
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AuthorAs a Holistic Time Management coach Ulrika reflects on ways to live our every day on purpose - with agility. Archives
June 2018
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