SMART is an acronym for how to define better goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound). But I’ve found that even well-written SMART goals can be discarded and abandoned faster than a politician’s campaign promise. WHY? Because SMART goals are missing two things.
First, they lack purpose. I can set the best goal in the world, but what if I don’t care? Without purpose and meaning, goals don’t drive my actions. The “E” in SMARTER© goals refers to Energizing. If there is something that lights my fire, then I am more likely to pursue that goal.
The other problem is the “A” in SMART, which stands for “Achievable.” There can be two challenges with setting a goal; it’s so low I can achieve it without much effort, or so high I give up. The “R” in SMARTER© stands for Reaching. Identify a goal that’s achievable, but also include something that challenges me beyond the goal I have set.