3 flaws with "SMART" goal setting that keep you feeling un-inspired and delivering mediocre results10/28/2016 Like many business professionals you have likely used the goal setting formula of creating "SMART" goals.
Really smart goals, however, require that you follow another formula first! Let me introduce you to “ARC” goals! – Yep, I made that up :) Read on to find 3 ways that the SMART formula undermines exceptional results and actually keep you from achieving outcomes that delight! You'll also be introduced to an enhanced formula for goal-setting that will set you up to reach for what is truly inspiring and meaningful. Just to make sure we are on the same page, "SMART" stands for that goals should be: S - Specific, M - Measurable, A - Achievable, R - Realistic, T - Time bound (The acronym has been credited George Doran who introduced the concept in a Management Review in 1981) Sounds like pretty good advice, right? Yet, I’d like to challenge this way of goal setting on three counts – and propose some questions to ask yourself. Read on… for inspiration! 1) 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? 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. What would you want to reach for that would DELIGHT you once accomplished? (check out some examples here) 2) So what? The second aspect of "SMART" goals that needs to be considered is, that although "SMART" goals have some specificity around the "What" and the "When", there's no connection to a bigger "Why". I suggest we have to broaden our view and consider the "Why" for each of our goals. For each goal ask yourself: “In the bigger scheme of things, how does reaching this goal matter? In what way will my life/work/relationships be better or my opportunities improve by reaching this goal?” So, to truly set smart goals, I believe they also need to be RELEVANT to a bigger vision. (check a weight loss example here) 3) Got your blinders on? At first it would seem that setting specific goals is a very good idea. They give you a chance to know for sure when you have reached each goal and it is time to celebrate (yay!). However, the third reason SMART goals aren’t necessarily so smart… is that goals can be set too narrowly, ignoring other competing priorities or changing circumstances. Rather, I suggest you make sure your goals are achievable also when considering what else is going on in your life currently. You also need to be willing to adjust your goals. Let them be revised based on new knowledge and other circumstances that influence what is actually possible and desirable for you to achieve. So, to truly set SMART goals, I believe they also need to be CONTEXTUAL. (read here about an example how I learned by doing just that!) In summary, when you set goals, I suggest you START with a broader view and get clear on your "ARC" goals: A - Aspirational: What's a goal that would truly excite you and, once reached, has the potential to delight you? R - Relevant: What is the bigger vision for your life? What goals do you want to set that support that vision? C - Contextual: Considering what else is going on in my life, what are the best goals to set right now? How do my goals fit together? Now that you are clear on your "ARC" goals, feel free to go ahead and create "SMART" goals. With both, you will can come up with a realistic plan that inspires and clearly takes you toward what you aspire for in your life! Now, THAT I am willing to call truly SMART goals!
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AuthorAs a Holistic Time Management coach Ulrika reflects on ways to live our every day on purpose - with agility. Archives
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