How can you set and reach goals more effectively?

I previously thought SMART goals were a great idea, but not anymore. The most successful areas of my life were not part of my goals at all. It's the ability to pivot and adapt, but most of all if you think something could be a great idea give it your all and be open to finding success in different places than you were first looking.

I have always found SMART goals lack the sophistication of reality or perhaps just don't apply to the roles I have found myself in. My goals are constantly shifting to match shifting conditions. When I pushed someone who believed in SMART goals really hard on my situation to try and understand, the final answer was: you can just change the goals if they no longer apply.

Setting and reaching goals effectively involves choosing SMART goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Specificity clarifies your goal's purpose, making it easier to focus efforts. Measurable goals have clear criteria for success, allowing progress tracking. Ensuring goals are achievable prevents setting unrealistic expectations. Relevance ensures alignment with your overall objectives, keeping efforts purposeful. Time-bound goals have defined deadlines, fostering a sense of urgency. Embracing SMART criteria empowers you to create meaningful goals and take structured steps toward their successful attainment.

SMART goals are over rated. The goal setting process starts before we have clear goals. It's the process that's important. We should talk and debate out the goal setting process and not sit alone and work on a template.

The elements of SMART are useful in helping define a goal. The challenge is being able to think in this fashion. Often a goal isn't specific. It's broad and vague. That makes measurement challenging. A useful way of thinking about goals is evidence or "leave behind results". What evidence will I see that I've achieved the goal? What evidence will I see that I'm progressing closer to achieving the goal? It's OK to change a goal, or a part of it. We need to adapt to circumstance. A goal I thought was worthwhile may prove not to be. Be honest. Am I changing the goal because it no longer has value? Also be aware and open to new opportunities as they arise. Don't be afraid to change the goal to better align with an opportunity.

What I find helpful with goals is from Dr David Burns,MD. Dare to be Average which meant for me letting go of perfection. I am free to make mistakes. The beauty of a mistake is to learn from it. I can improve. Practice is progress. Aim to get better at it. If I “get off track “. It’s okay to get back on track.

1. Writing long term and short term Goals. 2. Journal the strength and weakness. 3. Write down affirmations aligned to the goals and repeat them on a daily basis. Affirmations bring magical results. Book- The Mastery Manual by Robin Sharma can do you better.

I see many contributors aren't in favour of SMART goals anymore, but in my view this framework still holds a lot of value even in case of a dynamic and rapidly evolving skill needs. The only switch it needs is to keep evolving the goals with developments in market needs. For example if an individual's goal is to become an expert content marketer, and with GenAI disrupting that space the person should quickly identify the potential impact of that disruption and realign goals to ensure he/she achieves the planned outcome and they can still adhere to SMART goals framework.

This is antiquated mind tech. It only serves the logical mind. The greater mind, our subconscious is the key to achieving anything. I used to teach this ancient formula to my clients but humanity has evolved in consciousness beyond this tool.

I have found that goals are achieved when there is a clear understanding of why they need to be achieved in a specific time. When there is a significant benefit attached the motivation to complete the necessary tasks is amplified. Therefore, weighing up the cost/benefit of achieving the goal is a good motivator.

Absolutely, breaking down your goals into smaller subgoals is a highly effective strategy. It helps you maintain focus, track progress, and prevent feeling overwhelmed. Assigning deadlines and priorities to these subgoals enhances your ability to stay organized and motivated as you work towards your larger objectives. Celebrating achievements at each step can also boost your motivation and sense of accomplishment. Getting them right with following approach may ensure effectiveness: SMART i.e. Specificity, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound Evaluated through Prioritize, Review, Accountability to share with someone trusted with value mapping. And last but not least use best modern tools to achieve and track!

Huge goals tend to be too abstract and can paralyze you. If your goal is too hard and distant, it is much more likely you just give up. Try to break it down, so that every here and there you feel the accomplishment. Baby steps - that's the way to success!

Breaking down goals is an essential and broadly proven step in achieving them effectively. When goals are defined, and you can clearly articulate what you want to achieve, it's critical to identify ''Why'' and understand the purpose. With this method, you can motivate yourself, engage, and showcase commitment. Breaking down is telling us to set milestones. Smaller, more manageable checkpoints should be tracked along the way. Additional aspects to incorporate in this stage are your action plan, prioritization, resource, and time allocation. Remember that the level of detail and complexity in breaking down goals can vary based on the size and nature of the goal. Approach strategically, go ahead step-by-step.

Personal development is a process that involves the following steps or stages: Selection of a goal Focus on the objective Formulating a plan with milestones Consistent efforts to achieve that objective/ milestones Regular ongoing evaluation or assessment of the results of efforts at each milestone Continual improvement and innovation based on assessment Achievement of objective Reassessment and resetting of goal and process is repeated .

Goals often overwhelms me. So the best way to ensure I achieve them is breaking them down into tasks/activities. Divide each Goal into tasks and tasks and daily activities. This way tracking the progress becomes easy and making you laser focussed. Let's understand this better by an example: Our Goal is to arrange a party in 7 days. That's overwhelming at first. Let's start it by writing down the tasks.E.g. The venue and caterer & Guest list. Let's break it down into further into daily activities Day 1: Visit some venues, talk to some caterers with a timeline Day 2.. Day 6 See now its easy to manage, tracke progress and reset tasks for next day. This approach can be used for personal as well as professional goals. Cheers Shweta

Yes - SMART Targets. Break your goal into small actionable steps and do one step at a time. Anyone can eat an elephant - one piece at a time. Be focused - resist the urge to get distracted - Do step one - then step two - etc.

This is great . Writing down goals with action plan and keep reviewing the progress in periodic basis brings amazing results in short, medium and long term . Most importantly, you need to believe in you goal even when no one else is !! Take feedback from the coaches who can help you to be on track.

Deadlines and setting priorities works in any area, it also worked when writing my 4 books . With no deadlines there is the danger of procrastination as we feel “it’s not good enough yet”- and the book doesn’t get written . #deadlines

Also regular attention management is a vital tool to stay "above the line" in order to counteract the sense of overwhelm and or frustration. If one cannot think and sense clearly, one tends to overestimate or underestimate the amount of time, resources, decision etc that are needed both for the overall goal and the smaller subgoals

Indeed, break them down utilizing Reverse Engineering. That is sure to guarantee their actualization. The subconscious is wired to deduce, hence the power of Reverse Engineering.

One tool that's really worked for me when it comes to goal setting is writing down my short-term and long-term goals in a diary and coupling that with daily to-do lists. By ticking off the tasks and key goals to be achieved each day, there is great alignment that I feel with my long term vision. This activity helps for sure.

In my practice, one of the most common mistakes made in the choice of target achievement is to skip maths. So, add numbered data to clarify the path to the goal. Many people have tools to help them write down goals, visualise them, set reminders, etc. But this still leads them to think in an abstract way and therefore the goals seem difficult to achieve. A key factor is specificity - knowing how much your goals/steps will cost. How many hours/days the project will realistically take. How many hours you will have to sacrifice from your family/friends/free time, etc. Not only do specifics help make goals more achievable, but numbers also help with real insight, such as whether this is what you really want to achieve.

Journalling is a powerful and underrated tool for effective goal setting. Keeping a daily journal allows you to: - Check-in on systems and habits - Reflect on what's working and what isn't - Make small adjustments to your process to get on track Here are three short daily prompts that I use to stay on track with my goals: (1) How did I progress my goals today? (2) Any hurdles or roadblocks? (3) What's my focus tomorrow? In under 5 minutes, these questions help you check your progress and adjust the course. Plus, they serve as a log of your progress over time. Research shows that reflection (like journalling) can enhance goal achievement across multiple domains.- work, sports, learning. Try these prompts to get (and stay) on track.

Keep it simple. Always use pen and paper, writing down progreas integrates the three minds. Writing engages more neurons.

Also, buddy up and tell people what you are doing. We are far more likely to achieve things that we publicly state we are doing. Nail your colours to the mast.

In my experience, the easiest you keep this part, the most likely you are to keep at it. I bought programs with spreadsheets so complicated they would have taken over my life just to keep them updated. I would say, find ONE thing that works for you and stick with it.

Be careful here! If you have wildly ambitious goals in a new area, others sometimes don't understand your potential and may tell you to back down. Success can sometimes lonely.

Don’t just ask for feedback on your (verbal) communication, but also on your nonverbal communication. Are you approachable, are you connecting, do you make an impact with your bodylanguage? Ask a collegue to observe you during a meeting or presentation in front of the board and ask for concrete feedback on these matters.

Support can be a game changer. Try to find a mentor, there is a lot of places online today, where you can find one. Or join a community of like minded people. Either of this will help you to stay on track, heading the right direction 👍

Never! People can only tell you feedback from their limitations. Incubate your goals energetically with spiritual maturity holding close to you that which you are breathing life into. Never scatter your energy by engaging the opinion of others.

Agree with seeking insights and support from experts in their fields in helping to identify and plan the actions to achieve your goals, however in seeking feedback on the goal itself, be aware feedback from others will be based on their values, beliefs and lived experience which of course is highly personal and subjective. If you have a goal and it is aligned to something you are passionate about, and youve put the thinking in to what it takes to achieve the goal, just go for it.

When you look for support be discerning. If you're undergoing a deep transformation of any kind, seek the support of somebody qualified to give it. Peer support can be great too, but I've seen it descend into toxic positivity many times. So be careful when you join support groups.

Be agile! Life is a constant change and so are our goals. It is crucial to learn to adjust, to be flexible and I would add, to be thankful. Gratitude is an exponential creator. If we are thankful for the things we have accomplished but also for the things that did not work, we will see how everything that is in the way to our goals is actually “on the way” to our growing path. Adapt to grow, adjust to expand and move even further !

You must make a healthy Learn and Reflect loop. After reaching the goal, analyze the process and evaluate your actions. What worked well? What could have been improved? Use this feedback for future goals. Remember, your side, but the ultimate goal is to continuously improve. Maintain focus and commitment, even when you face setbacks. Endure in both, ups and downs.

Certainly be willing to pivot. Your inner guidance will show you the way, the path of least resistance. Stay aligned to receive these messages.....your inner GPS knows the easiest path to achievement.

We talk about the art of cookery... and how many dishes the best chefs in the world have thrown in the bin, before they get it right. Goals should be comprised of many steps and milestones, not one big on/off target. On the way, the journey changes - happy days.

Ever feel like your goals are slipping through your fingers? Want to turn that around? Setting time monthly to review goals is a game-changer. Imagine: you're at your favorite coffee shop, diving into your progress. Celebrating wins, problem-solving setbacks. Consider goal-setting apps to act as your personal goal assistant, keeping you accountable. Think of it as a personal trainer for your goals! Off course? No worries. Draft an action plan. It's your unique roadmap. Hit a roadblock in writing a book? Your action plan: Write 15 minutes every morning. Its as vital as your morning coffee. Remember, reaching your goals is a journey. You'll face twists and turns, but equipped with these tools, you're ready to navigate to success

I don't believe in adjusting goals if they're meaningful to you. However, I do believe in adjusting the plan that will get you there. I like to use travel analogies: if you're driving from London to Rome you'll likely come across many delays and diversions along the way. Unless the Eternal City were swallowed up by a sink hole there's no reason to abandon your plans to get there. Just take another route. And keep changing that route according to ever changing circumstances. You do the same for weight loss, fitness and age reversal related goals. And then you celebrate every single win, no matter how insignificant it appears to you. In time you'll get used to looking for evidence of success.

Here's an powerful concept I wish I learned sooner: Process Goals > Outcome Goals Most people waste too much time on Outcome Goals: - Run a marathon - Get a promotion - Write a book But research shows that success depends on Process Goals: - Run 5x p/w - Win 3 new clients - Write 500 words daily Process goals are more effective because they're: - Measurable and motivating - Controllable and achievable - The foundation of long-term habits and systems Research shows that process goals improve performance, satisfaction, and well-being. To set a process goal: 1. Divide your goal into sub-goals 3. Pla daily actions and systems 3. Track and review progress Outcome goals give you a short-term boost. Process goals give you a long-term win.

The best way to continue learning and growing is to have a macro path but micro goals. What does that mean? Identify a long-term learning goal for yourself (like expertise in SaaS Product Marketing) and break it down into smaller bite sized and easy to execute trainings (like trainings on SEO, product launch plan, market sizing etc.) All these trainings are easily available on platforms like LinkedIn Learning, these are under two hours courses and don't take lot of time investment on a daily basis. A 30 - 45 mins per day commitment to micro goals is good enough reach a macro-learning goal in under a quarter.

The process of setting and working towards goals is so much more than just a checklist of things to accomplish. It is, in fact, a transformative journey that molds us into better versions of ourselves. With every goal we set our sights on and eventually achieve, we: inadvertently acquire new abilities, expand our knowledge base, strengthen our self-confidence. Furthermore, this journey often leads us down unexpected paths, unveiling new passions and opening doors to opportunities we never knew existed. An essential aspect of this journey is taking the time to reflect on our experiences. This cyclical process of setting, achieving, reflecting, and then setting new goals is the cornerstone of continuous personal growth and self-enhancement.

We currently have 'Performance Goals' & then we also have 'development goals'. Both these goals are related which basically ensure that learning happens along with performance goals.

When you truly focus on an important goal and work towards achieving it, you'll acquire a lot of new skills and, hopefully, grow as a person. These skills will be transferable to every other aspect of your life outside of the original goal.

To evolve your SMART goals into SMARTER ones, consistently Evaluate and Readjust. As you pursue your objective, periodically Evaluate your journey. This is especially vital for long-term aims, which can drift if not regularly checked. If your progress isn't aligning with expectations, Readjust. Think about potential missteps. Were there missed deadlines? Is the goal still your top priority? Does it remain feasible? In response to these reflections, fine-tune your strategy. Break down your goal into bite-sized milestones and monitor them individually. That's the essence of a SMARTER goal.

Once you have set your goals and broken them down into smaller chunks, consider working with a body double or an accountability partner. This is really helpful for those with ADHD to help stay on track. You can find services online or consider setting up your own sessions at work.

It's pivotal to note the relationship between goals and vision. Goals, when not anchored to an emotionally compelling vision, often remain unmet. Why? Because most of our decisions, around 90%-95%, are emotionally driven. While goals can feel like checkboxes, a vision stirs passion, increasing the likelihood of achievement. Essentially, for goals to transform into reality, they need the heartbeat of a resonating vision.

Be Agile enough to review and re-evaluate the parameters and objectives. Having a continuous improvement plan in place can be beneficial in achieving greater value to the goal in time. Documenting the journey will help and provide others with a boost to achieve and with less challenges.

On a regular basis evaluate the pursuit of your goals, are these still relevant and does it make sense for you to continue their pursuit. Beyond the goals and accomplishments, what are the additional benefits you've gained through their pursuit. Also reflect, if you were to do this all over again, what changes would you make to your approach and execution and use these reflections to plan your next set of goals.

Do not let anyone around you frustrate you with a word, a sign, or a gesture. Know well and apply it first and foremost, and you will find that SMART was only the beginning on the path to success and excellence.

Don't like SMART? Make up your own. Seriously - it really doesn't matter what process you go through to get to your goals. THE key point is you are trying. Cut it right down - NOW/THEN - what do I do today, what should it look like? BOOM - Brave Objectives, Ongoing Management.... Etc Etc. It's what you ask yourself and how you plan that's important. SMART is useful because years of work has gone into building questions around it. Just wander up, steal those questions and start planning.

The Art of Goal Setting: 1. Define Your Goals- What do you want to achieve? Why is it important to you? 2. Set SMART goals - Break down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks, and create a roadmap that makes them achievable. Setting deadlines is important. 3. Priortize goals - Identify the most critical ones that will have the most significant impact on your life and focus your energy and resources on those. 4. Create an action plan - Break each goal down into smaller, actionable steps. Review regularly. 5. Track progress - Use tools like goal-tracking apps, spreadsheets, or even a simple journal to record your achievements. 6. Stay flexible - It is important to adapt to new information or opportunities that may arise.