Rethinking SMART Goals: The Power of Broader Goals and a Process-Based Approach To Goal-Setting

Introduction:

When it comes to personal development, you will find many methods of goal-setting, but most of them point back to a common idea- the SMART goals approach. According to SMART goals, goals must be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound. While that may work for some people, this approach certainly did not work for me. I am a human, with human emotions, instincts, moods, energy levels and experiences. I am not exactly the same day to day, and thus to set goals under the assumption that I am or will be is restrictive, limiting, and a recipe for failure. Computers, machines, and robots can operate the same day after day. Humans, in my opinion, are not meant to do that, and to create goals expecting them to is to deny them the beauty of the human experience: knowing yourself, learning yourself, being present in the journey (not just looking toward the end goal), being open to changes and changing, and so much more. In this article, I will challenge the rigidity of SMART goals, and propose a more human-friendly approach to goal setting, one that allows for broader goals, enjoying the process, and having a human experience of life. Life is meant to be lived, not to be a series of checked off boxes.

The Pitfalls and Limitations of SMART Goals

In the quest for personal growth, the allure of SMART goals often takes center stage. Yet, as we delve deeper, it becomes evident that this seemingly foolproof approach isn't the ideal one-size-fits-all solution it makes itself out to be. If it was, wouldn’t everyone be reaching their goals, living lives as perfectly designed as their goals? Let's shine a light on the limitations of SMART goals and the ways in which they might not align with the diverse spectrum of human experiences. 

Rigid by Design:

SMART goals, while undeniably providing a structured framework, also create a rigid atmosphere. Life, however, is far from static and the human experience is fluid. We are dynamic beings, evolving with each passing moment. SMART goals, with their fixed parameters, may not cater to the beautiful and exciting ebb and flow of our personal journeys. This rigidity may inadvertently stifle creativity, adaptability, and the innate fluidity of the human journey. If you start your journey but then gain new information about yourself or your goal, shouldn’t you be able to work that into your goal? With SMART goals, you cannot. In a way, it closes you off to organic growth and definitely holds you back from the full experience of life! Learning and personal feedback are so important in experiencing life. As we navigate the complexities of life, a rigid structure might impose limitations rather than fostering an environment conducive to exploration, growth, and holistic development.

Goal Setting is Not a One Size Fits All Approach:

What works seamlessly for one person might feel constricting for another. Our individuality thrives on diversity, and a singular approach like SMART goals might not resonate universally. It's crucial to recognize that our goals should be as unique as we are, adapting to our distinct needs, aspirations, and evolving circumstances. Books and guides that preach SMART goals as the one and only way to achieve success do not account for the fact that no two people are alike, and an approach that works for one person may not work for another. 

The very essence of human diversity defies the one-size-fits-all nature of SMART goals. While the framework offers a structured path for some, it might not resonate universally. Our goals, aspirations, and the very fabric of our individuality are inherently diverse. It's time to challenge the assumption that a singular approach can cater to the rich tapestry of human experiences.

The exclusivity of SMART criteria can inadvertently leave individuals feeling alienated. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of personal growth, a more inclusive approach is a necessity. A methodology that accommodates diverse perspectives and unique aspirations fosters an environment where everyone, regardless of their background or personal journey, can find a meaningful path to success.

Leaves No Room For Adaptability:

The human experience is a fluid journey, marked by unexpected twists and turns. Emphasizing the need for a more adaptable and personalized approach to goal-setting is not a rejection of structure but an acknowledgment of the beauty found in flexibility. What if you set a specific, measurable, time bound goal but then you get sick? Or have a family emergency? Or need to travel suddenly for work? When that occurs, most people abandon their SMART goals because the goals do not leave any room for adaptability or flexibility. By allowing goals to be adaptable, we open ourselves up to a more organic and authentic process, and a more sustainable one at that!

Promotes a Checklist Mentality To Life:

SMART goals often reduce success to a mere checklist, emphasizing completion rather than the journey. With that approach, life becomes a list, something to accomplish, instead of an experience, something to be lived. Shifting the focus towards the process, not just the outcome, encourages us to appreciate the learning and growth embedded in the journey, fostering a mindset that goes beyond the confines of ticking off predefined boxes. Life is for living, not for checking off!

Some People Are Rule Breakers:

Some people thrive under rigidity, rules, and structures while others want to break through limitations and feel like they, not the pre-determined boundaries, are in charge. I fall into the latter category, and thus was never able to embrace living in the confines of a rigid goal. Any time I would put myself in a rigid box, saying I must do a, b, c to get to x, y, z, I would feel suffocated, like the rules were controlling my life and I had no say in my own experience. I would break the limitations I set, and while at one point I thought I was a failure for doing so, I now realize that wasn’t the case at all; I realize it was my inner desire to be the one running my life, for the way I live my life to feel like a choice, a “want to,” and not an obligation, a “have to.” For me, SMART goals always turned my want-tos into have-tos; I always lost touch with why I set the goal and instead felt restricted by the rules I set to get there. 

Not Sustainable:

SMART goals are not sustainable for two reasons. One, they are too rigid for everyday life, and thus people often break them, and then feel they’ve “failed,” and give up completely. Two, they are end-goal focused, and once the end-goal is reached, people usually revert back to their original starting point. Sustainability in goal-setting is not just about reaching an endpoint; it's about cultivating lasting growth. A process-based and broader goal-setting approach, which we will discuss below, offers a more sustainable model. By emphasizing the ongoing journey, adaptability, and holistic development, individuals are better equipped to navigate the complexities of life, weather setbacks, and cultivate a resilient and enduring sense of personal accomplishment. The goals become a lifestyle, and thus sustainable.

In the realm of goal-setting methodologies, it's time to question whether SMART goals truly serve our diverse and dynamic human nature, and if there is perhaps a more human-friendly approach to goal-setting. In this article we will explore a more adaptable and personalized approach—one that recognizes the fluidity of our paths and allows us to set goals in harmony with the rhythm of our ever-changing lives. If, at the end of this article, you decide SMART goals work best for you, that is absolutely fine! Each person is unique; I am simply here to provide an alternative approach for those seeking it. 

Let’s Explore A More Holistic Approach To Goal Setting

Instead of boxing ourselves into predefined criteria, let's explore the beauty of a holistic goal-setting approach. Embracing broader, process-based goals, which acknowledge the fluidity of life, encourage adaptability, and celebrate the inherent uniqueness of each person's journey, could be a gentler and more sustainable approach to goal-setting for those seeking it. Personal growth is a dynamic, ongoing process that extends far beyond the constraints of specific, time-bound objectives. Embracing the power of more holistic goals is an invitation to appreciate the richness of the process, the ebb and flow of our personal evolution and to recognize that personal development is not a checklist to be completed but a continuous, evolving journey. Let’s take a closer look at this broader, process-based, goal setting approach. 

Broader Goals: Embracing Wholeness

In a world often fixated on tasks, timelines, and checklists, the idea of setting broader goals invites us to step into a more expansive realm of personal development. Rather than confining ourselves to the rigidity of one specific way to reach one specific outcome, let's explore the profound advantages of embracing a broader approach to goal-setting.

In the realm of precise and rigid goals, the focus often revolves around the meticulous details of achievement—specific weights, dates, and meticulously planned routines. For example, a rigid goal might be structured along the lines of, "I want to weigh this exact weight by this exact date, and I will do that by eating this exact meal at this exact time every day to reach that exact weight by that exact date." Broader goals, on the other hand, introduce a refreshing shift, where instead of narrowing our aspirations to fixed points, we open ourselves up to a more complete way of thinking. For example, a broader goal might be "I want to be and feel healthy and fit; I will make food and movement choices to support that." This shift in focus represents a departure from the rigid constraints of exact measurements and timelines, allowing room for a more organic and authentic journey of self-discovery and well-being. 

With the SMART goal approach, there is one way only, and if that way is not done, then the result is failure. With the broader approach to goal setting, there are so many ways to fulfill and achieve the goal. With regard to the example provided in the previous paragraph, you can make your choice, in each moment, to support your health and fitness goal. When you are choosing what to eat, ask yourself which food choice would support your goal of better health. When you are faced with the stairs or the elevator, ask yourself which will support your health goal. When your options are to watch television late into the night or go to bed, which of those will support your goal to feel and be healthier? SMART goals are narrow and do not support integration into real, sustainable, adaptable life. Broader goals support a shift in lifestyle.

A Process-Based Approach: Navigating The Journey

In SMART goal-setting, the destination often takes precedence over the journey; the sentiment is “I will get there!” With that approach, you don’t get the chance to feel happy and present where you are; you are a failure until you are “there,” and thus you are always racing to "get there." Let's explore something different: the transformative power of a process-based approach. This mindset invites you to shift your focus from the endgame to the journey. When focusing on the process or journey, you get to be present with yourself, allowing learning and growth to be exciting and enjoyable. 

Prioritizing the Journey; Being Present:

A process-based approach challenges the conventional wisdom of SMART goals, which is very much fixated on outcomes. Process-based goal setting encourages you to fully immerse yourself in each step you take, the challenges you face along the way, the feedback you receive as you’re making changes, and the lessons you gather while growing. Life is in the journey, not the end goal. 

An example of a common outcome based goal is “I will read 30 books a year.” With that as the goal, people are often not even fully present when they’re reading. They don’t take the time to savor the experience, to take account of what they like and don’t like in their books, to connect with the characters or information. They don’t recognize the shifts in themselves with reading as a part of their lives. They are simply racing to complete the task. 

A process-based goal, on the other hand, would be “I will make reading a more prominent part of my daily life.” The process based goal focuses on what has to occur in order for the outcome based goal to be reached, but instead focuses on the journey. If somebody brings reading into their daily life, they will very likely read 30 books in the year, but their focus is on the experience, not the outcome. Additionally, what does it really matter if you read 29 books or 30, so long as you’re reading more than you did before and enriching your life with the experience? The process-based goal integrates your goal into your lifestyle, instead of adding it on top of your life; the process-based approach allows your goals to feel like a daily choice instead of a chore. 

Process-based goals invite us to be active participants in our journeys rather than mere spectators of our outcomes. Being present in each moment fosters a sense of mindfulness—a deep connection to the current experience. It's about fully immersing ourselves in the process, savoring the nuances, and appreciating the beauty of the ongoing transformation without worrying so much about “getting there.”

Learning in Every Step of the Process:

Unlike outcome-focused goals that measure success solely by reaching predefined endpoints, process-based goals prioritize the continuous act of learning. Every step becomes an opportunity for growth, a chance to acquire new skills, insights, and a deeper understanding of ourselves. It's an education that extends far beyond the realms of a final achievement.

With the example provided above, as someone makes reading a part of their everyday life, when they’re not rushing to an end-goal, they will have time to reflect and notice, “Wow, I feel more calm and centered with reading in my life,” or “I sleep better when I read before bed,” or “These characters really move me; I feel transformed by this book.” They will also have the liberty of learning which time of day reading works best for them, or what types of books they prefer. Process-based goals leave room for learning and for getting to know yourself and be present with yourself. You become a companion on your journey instead of being absent while you rush toward the end goal.

Benefits to More Holistic, Broader, Process-Based Goal-Setting

In a world that often gravitates toward black-and-white thinking, the beauty of broader and process-based goals lies in embracing the rich nuances available only in the grey areas. Let's explore the myriad benefits of this approach—a paradigm that not only stands in opposition to the all-or-nothing dichotomy of SMART goals, but also allows for adaptability, resilience, a profound understanding of oneself, and the richness of the human experience.

Benefit 1: Flexibility and Adaptability

Life is dynamic and unpredictable, and a process-based approach acknowledges the rhythm of change. Instead of being fixated on rigid steps you must take to reach one outcome, with a more flexible approach, you learn to adapt and evolve with the unpredictable twists and turns of life. 

For example, imagine you make a SMART goal, in which you say you must complete a specific exercise program for 1 hour every morning at 6 am. Imagine you do that for a week, and all is well, but then one day, your child wakes up before you, or you're simply tired from a long week of work and want to sleep in. With SMART goals, skipping that 6am practice would be a failure, and for many people, they would abandon their goal after missing that practice, saying they “messed up” and “failed.” 

However, when you set a broader goal, such as “I will move my body more often,” you are free to adapt, to find a new place in your schedule for movement that day, to take a gentler exercise, or to simply acknowledge your body’s desire for rest after an unusually difficult week, and to know that resting one day does not mean you’ve “failed” and will now go back to being inactive. This flexibility and adaptability becomes a source of resilience, allowing you to weather challenges and pivot when needed, while staying connected to the essence of your goals.

Let’s take a look at some of the details involved in the benefits of a more adaptable and flexible approach. 

Sophistication in Nuance:

Flexible, process-based, and broader goals encourage us to navigate the subtleties of life. By existing in the grey, we embrace a sophisticated perspective that acknowledges the complexity of human experiences. This nuanced approach requires thought, self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of the intricacies that shape our journeys.

No Win-Lose Dichotomy:

Contrary to the binary nature of SMART goals, a process-based approach introduces a continuous spectrum of progress. In this paradigm, there are no outright victories or defeats. Each step, regardless of outcome, contributes to learning and growth. It's a journey where the process itself becomes a source of success, making the experience inherently rewarding. Additionally, with SMART goals, the moment you “lose” the goal is usually abandoned, but this is not the case with broader, process based goals. 

Flexibility To Handle Life's Curveballs:

Life is unpredictable, throwing curveballs when we least expect them. Flexible goals provide the space to adapt and adjust without discarding our aspirations entirely. Rather than viewing setbacks as the end of progress, we learn to pivot and find value in the incremental progress, recognizing that a little bit of positive change is still a step in the right direction, and that a momentary setback does not mean the goal must be abandoned. 

Accommodating Evolution:

Goals, much like ourselves, are dynamic entities. They evolve, and so do we. Embracing a flexible, process-based approach acknowledges this fluidity. It allows for goal adjustments that align with our changing values, circumstances, and aspirations, ensuring that our objectives remain in harmony with the evolving landscape of our lives. As you change, your goals might change.

Increased Motivation and Resilience:

The inherent adaptability of this approach boosts motivation and resilience. Setbacks are viewed as opportunities for learning rather than insurmountable obstacles. Flexibility in goal-setting nurtures a mindset that thrives on challenges, contributing to increased perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.

In the world of goals, embracing flexibility, a process-oriented mindset, and broader aspirations is not just a departure from rigidity—it's an invitation to revel in the dynamic, ever-changing landscape of our lives. It's an acknowledgment that the grey areas are where the true artistry of personal growth unfolds.

Flexibility and adaptability are benefits of the broader, process based goals, and as demonstrated, that leads to a much more realistic, positive, and enjoyable goal-setting process.

Benefit 2: You Take the Driver's Seat- Intrinsic Motivation

When we set rigid smart goals, it is almost like everything we do each day is handed over to the goal. We do not look inside at our experiences, but instead outside at “the rules” we set. We follow the external rule. 

In this broader approach, the joy lies not only in reaching the destination but in being the one to choose the actions that move you forward. You are the co-creator of your experience and your success, instead of handing it over to an external marker that holds power over you. When you work toward your goals, you remember that it was something you wanted, and you check in with yourself to see if it's something you still want, or if you’ve gained new knowledge and want to adapt or change the goal in some way. When you do that, you reawaken your passion for the goal, and keep it aligned with your core values and desires, which allows the journey to become more meaningful and fulfilling. The process is no longer just about reaching an endpoint, which you likely lose touch with, but instead about being present in the ongoing process of becoming the best version of ourselves.

Benefit 3: Leave Space for Spontaneity, Excitement, and Seizing Life's Opportunities 

Goals and progress are super important. But so is playing, connection, pleasure, laughter, living. When you set broader based goals, you might plan to work toward them every day, but if something exciting comes your way, you will be able to say “today, I want to go have fun with that opportunity, and tomorrow I can resume working toward my goals,” whereas with smart goals, that choice would actually be a “failure” because it would be a disruption to the specific guidelines you set to get you to a specific goal. I don’t believe a person should be left feeling guilty for choosing to enjoy life, and this broader approach for goal setting moves us away from that narrative that to be productive is correct, and to have fun is to be lazy or irresponsible. You can be productive and move forward, and you can also take a break and have fun and enjoy life. Why must it be either or? Why must our goals be so strict that they keep us from living?

Benefit 4: Celebrating Small Wins:

In the pursuit of broader goals, every step forward is a cause for celebration. The focus shifts from monumental victories to the accumulation of small wins. Every time you move toward your goal, you win! This mindset fosters a positive feedback loop, reinforcing motivation and building a sense of accomplishment along the way. If your goal is to exercise more, for example, not exercising one day is not important. Focus on the 5, 10, or 20 other days that you did- on each of those days, in each of those moments, you won! 

Benefit 5: Honoring Your Humanity: The Heart of Broader Goal-Setting

In the structured realm of goal-setting, it's easy to forget that we are, above all, human—complex, evolving, and beautifully imperfect. Let's delve into the significance of embracing our humanity in the goal-setting process. 

The Reality of Being Human:

Acknowledging our humanity is the cornerstone of a healthy and sustainable approach to goal-setting. We experience a range of emotions, grapple with unforeseen challenges, and navigate the unpredictability of life. Embracing this reality sets the stage for a more compassionate and realistic engagement with our goals. SMART goals do not acknowledge or take into account that the human experience is not static. Broader, more flexible goals do.

The Compassionate Lens:

When we acknowledge that we are humans who have different thoughts, feelings, interpretations, energy levels, and health daily, and not machines that always act and create output in the same way, we are able to hold self-compassion. SMART goals are designed with the intent that you should always be able to act the same, and when you don’t, you judge yourself harshly for setbacks or perceived failures. When you acknowledge your humanness and take that into account when setting goals,  that allows you to hold self-compassion—a gentle, understanding lens through which you view yourself. Instead of harsh self-judgment when faced, self-compassion invites us to treat ourselves with the same kindness we would offer to a friend and allows us to make changes from gentle love instead of harsh self-loathing and criticism. The self-compassionate lens is an acknowledgment that growth comes with bumps in the road, and that being human is a complex experience. With self-compassion, each stumble is an opportunity for knowing yourself, learning, and resilience.

Benefit 6: Well-Being as The Guiding Force

Ultimately, the goal-setting journey should be a contributor to our overall well-being, not a stress-inducing race. Acknowledging your humanity, your complexity, your many facets, ensures that your pursuit of goals aligns with your mental and emotional health. It encourages a balanced approach, where the process is as nurturing as the outcomes we seek. When you are constantly rushing to an end-goal, you toss aside your mental and phsyical health, and overall well-being, to get “there.” With this process-based approach, where goals evolve as you do, it is encouraged to check in with your overall well-being and see how the goal is or is not supporting that. Flexible, process-based, and broader goals contribute to holistic well-being. They prioritize not only the end destination but also the journey itself—mental, emotional, and physical well-being are a part of the journey and a part of the goal. The goal-setting process becomes a means of enhancing your overall quality of life.

As we humanize the goal-setting process, let's weave threads of self-compassion into the fabric of our aspirations. By embracing our humanity, treating ourselves with kindness, and prioritizing well-being, we not only enhance our journey towards goals but also foster a deeper connection with the most authentic version of ourselves.

The Art of Bouncing Back: Embracing Setbacks as Catalysts for Growth

With SMART goals, a setback is a failure; you didn't do the specific thing as you said you would, and so it’s done, failed. In this broader approach to personal development, setbacks are not roadblocks but rather natural contours of the journey. Nobody (because we’re human) is ever going to do anything perfectly all the time, and when you accept that, you become okay with snapbacks; you see them as natural, and learn to navigate them by learning, growing, adjusting, and continuing to move forward. Let's unravel the essence of setbacks, acknowledging them as integral chapters in our stories, and explore strategies to reframe these moments as powerful opportunities on your personal growth journey.

The Inevitability of Setbacks:

First, it is important to acknowledge that in the pursuit of any worthwhile goal, setbacks are not anomalies but rather inevitable companions. Life is complex and unpredictable, and any worthwhile pursuit is likely not going to be a linear journey. Encountering obstacles is part of the human experience. Accepting, and expecting, setbacks as a natural part of the journey is important to ensuring you don’t give up when difficulty hits, and is the first step toward transforming them into catalysts for growth.

Learning from Adversity:

Setbacks, though often perceived as unwelcome detours, carry invaluable lessons. They provide an opportunity to delve into self-reflection, understand the root causes, and uncover areas for improvement. Viewing adversity as a teacher, rather than a foe, allows us to extract knowledge and wisdom from even the most challenging circumstances.

Cultivating Resilience:

Resilience is the art of bouncing back from setbacks with newfound strength. Rather than letting setbacks crush our spirits, cultivating resilience involves understanding that challenges are not a reflection of failure but opportunities to showcase our ability to overcome. It's a mindset that propels us forward, equipped with the lessons learned and a fortified spirit. Resilience has been shown to be one of the most valuable qualities for both success and happiness. Build it like a muscle; when you get knocked down, get up again!

Reframing Failure:

Failure, when reframed, becomes a stepping stone to success. Instead of seeing it as an endpoint, consider it a redirection. By embracing setbacks as pivot points, we open ourselves up to alternative paths and unforeseen opportunities that may lead to even greater achievements. When something goes wrong, instead of seeing it as a “failure” ask yourself, “how can I take this opportunity to make this even better than I’d originally planned?”

The Power of Perspective:

How we perceive setbacks shapes their impact on our journey. Adopting a growth mindset, wherein challenges are seen as stepping stones rather than insurmountable obstacles, transforms setbacks into opportunities for personal and professional development. It's about altering our perspective to see setbacks as temporary hurdles, not permanent roadblocks.

Strategies for Reframing Setbacks:

• Normalize Setbacks: They’re not "failures," but rather a normal part of the journey to success.
• Look for the Opportunity: Instead of saying “Oh no, my plan is ruined,” ask "What is the opportunity here" or “how can I take this opportunity to make this even better than I’d originally planned?"
• Identify Lessons Learned: Analyze setbacks to uncover the lessons they carry. What can you learn about yourself, your approach, or the situation?
• Focus on Solutions: Instead of dwelling on the setback itself, shift your focus to actionable solutions. What steps can be taken to overcome the obstacle?
• Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge the progress you've made, even if it seems small. Every step forward is a triumph worth celebrating.
• Seek Support: Don't navigate setbacks in isolation. Seek guidance, advice, or support from mentors, friends, or colleagues who can offer fresh perspectives.
• Ask Empowering Questions: Instead of asking “Why did this happen to me?” and becoming a victim, choose to be empowered by asking, "What did this come to teach me and how can I move forward in an even more impactful way?"

Setbacks mark not the end but a pause—a moment for regrouping, reassessing, and realigning our efforts. Embracing setbacks as opportunities for growth is an ongoing process, a continuous loop of learning and resurgence that propels us toward our aspirations with newfound wisdom and resilience.

In the grand tapestry of our journeys, setbacks are not detours; they are the threads that add depth and resilience to the fabric of our personal growth. By understanding their inevitability and embracing the lessons they carry, setbacks become not obstacles but transformative stepping stones on the path to success.

Examples of SMART Goals VS. Broader, Process-Based, Flexible Goals

SMART Goal:

• Specific: Lose 10 pounds in 4 weeks.
• Measurable: Track daily caloric intake and exercise minutes.
• Achievable: Follow a strict diet and exercise regimen.
• Relevant: Improve overall health and fitness.
• Time-bound: Achieve the goal in 4 weeks.

Broader, More Flexible Goal:

• Holistic Wellness: Embrace a healthier lifestyle by incorporating balanced nutrition and regular physical activity. Focus on improving overall well-being rather than fixating on a specific weight loss target within a rigid timeframe.

SMART Goal:

• Specific: Save $5,000 in 3 months for a vacation.
• Measurable: Allocate a fixed amount from monthly income.
• Achievable: Cut down on non-essential expenses.
• Relevant: Plan a vacation to a specific destination.
• Time-bound: Save $5,000 within 3 months.

Broader, More Flexible Goal:

• Financial Wellness: Cultivate a healthy relationship with money by consistently saving a portion of income. Bring more awareness to your spending. Focus on building a robust financial foundation rather than adhering to a rigid savings target for a specific purpose. 

SMART Goal:

• Specific: Complete a 10k run in under 50 minutes.
• Measurable: Train daily, increasing running distance and speed.
• Achievable: Follow a structured running program.
• Relevant: Improve cardiovascular fitness.
• Time-bound: Achieve the goal within 8 weeks.

Broader, More Flexible Goal:

• Physical Vitality: Enhance overall fitness and well-being by engaging in regular physical activity. Prioritize enjoyment and variety in exercise routines, focusing on the long-term benefits rather than a specific time-bound achievement.

SMART Goal:

• Specific: Publish a book with at least 200 pages.
• Measurable: Write 1,000 words every day.
• Achievable: Stick to a strict writing schedule of 1-3 hours per day.
• Relevant: Share personal experiences and insights.
• Time-bound: Complete the manuscript in 6 months.

Broader, More Flexible Goal:

• Creative Expression: Write more often. Explore and cultivate creativity through writing. Allow the creative process to unfold naturally, focusing on the joy of self-expression rather than conforming to a specific word count or publishing timeline.

SMART Goal:

• Specific: Learn a new language within 3 months.
• Measurable: Dedicate 30 minutes daily to language learning.
• Achievable: Use language learning apps and take classes.
• Relevant: Enhance cultural understanding and communication skills.
• Time-bound: Achieve conversational proficiency in 3 months.

Broader, More Flexible Goal:

• Cultural Exploration: Immerse yourself in the joy of learning a new language. Embrace the cultural nuances and allow the learning process to unfold organically, focusing on cultural appreciation rather than adhering strictly to a time-bound fluency goal. Try a variety of techniques such as watching TV shows or youtube videos in the new language, listening to podcasts, reading, writing, workbooks, teachers, travel etc. 

Personal Story:

From reading lots of self-improvement books and attending personal-development workshops, I used to think SMART goals was the only way to set goals. However, over the years noticed that setting goals in this manner held me back from enjoying my life, and more often than not, did not actually lead to success.

I became determined to find another way. I journeyed through the land of self-love and gentle-growth, and ultimately found that broader, process based, flexible goals fit my personality and lifestyle better. They allowed for me to feel it was okay to be human, it was okay to choose spontaneity and life over a goal, it was okay to have setbacks, and it was okay not to live life as a series of checklists. With this broader approach, I have accomplished a lot and moved forward in my life, but perhaps even more importantly, I've also become so much happier, calmer, more present, and full of self-compassion and self-love. Happiness and joy in life are just as, if not even more so, important as accomplishments; with SMART goals the joy and richness of living gets lost.

Another aspect I love about flexible goal setting is being free to check in with myself to see if a goal I set is still supporting the life I want and the person I want to be, based on the new knowledge I have gained, and if it’s not, to adjust the goal so that it does. Additionally, when I set a goal and find I am not accomplishing it, I love being able to rewrite it in a way that is more aligned with the life I enjoy living. I am a partner on my own journey instead of outsourcing it to “rules" and automatically labeling myself a "failure" because the rules I set no longer align with who I am. We don't know how things will work until we try them, and with the more flexible goal-setting process, we are free to adjust as we learn. 

I can provide a goal setting example pertaining to this life-coaching blog. When I originally began my blog, I set the goal to write one article a week. I did that for about 25 weeks, and then suddenly found myself putting off writing. At that point, I checked in with myself to notice that blog writing was becoming akin to a dreaded chore. I reflected upon why, and realized that for 25 weeks I had written about the 25 topics that prominently stand out in my mind as a Self Love and Authenticity Coach, and that beyond those 25 topics, to come up with one article a week was not pleasant because i’d be forcing myself to write without passion. I don't want to write without passion- to write just to check-off "blog writing" from my list, so I adjusted the goal; now, my goal is to take note of reflections and interesting thoughts I have regarding the topic of self-help throughout the week, and when passion grows around an idea, to turn it into a blog post. I do not aim for the outcome (getting a blog post out), but instead for the process (bringing awareness to ideas I find interesting and finding a few hours to write each week). For now, this new process-based goal is working for me, and it’s still accomplishing the same thing as my original goal, which is growing my blog and my business, but taking a new approach that suits me better as the process changed. I feel great about this adjustment, and now blog writing remains a “want to” goal instead of a “have to” task. I loosely know that I want to get 2 posts out a month, but I am flexible if my thoughts require more time to form and flow. My goal is to create quality pieces that allow for me to maintain my passion, not to simply aim for quantity and dread writing.  

If I stuck with my original goal, I would have two options right now: either fail (and likely stop writing) or force myself to do something I don't feel passionate about, and in doing so become misaligned. It is really beautiful to be on a path where my goals can change and grow as I work toward them and receive feedback from myself. 

Conclusion:

It's time to rethink SMART goals. While SMART goals may work for some people, it is important to note they are not a one-size-fits all approach; some people will thrive with a more flexible, process-based, broader goal setting process. The rigid, checklist, approach to goal-setting can be limiting, restrictive, and a recipe for feeling like a "failure." Humans are dynamic and life is fluid; adaptable goals change and grow with you, instead of limiting your growth. With process-based goals, you do not fail, you simply learn, grow, and move forward. Give them a try!

Call to Action:

If you'd like help in setting goals and moving yourself toward the life you want, reach out to me for life-coaching. My approach is rooted in self-love and authenticity, ensuring you set goals that align with your truest self and follow through on them in a loving and compassionate way. Click here to learn more about coaching. 

Good luck on your journey, and I hope to hear from you!