Goal setting to get sh*t done

Since setting intentional, clear goals I've been getting more stuff done. Here's how you do it and why it's important.

You’ve may have heard of SMART goals before. It’s a framework that floats about in the workplace. But in coaching, we often use a slightly expanded version: SMARTER.

I first came across this during my training with Animas, and now I use it in different areas of my life - from habits to creative projects, or just figuring out what’s realistic for the week ahead. Not every letter always applies perfectly, but it’s a great way to drill into your thinking, get clear on what you want, and avoid the vague “I’d like to...” goals that don’t really go anywhere.

It also helps you check in with why you want to do something - not just what you’re doing.

Here’s a breakdown of the SMARTER model and how you can use it:

Specific

What exactly is the goal? Focus on the who, what, when, where. The clearer you are, the easier it is to start.

Think: “Go to one improv class a week for a month” rather than “do more fun stuff.” Or: “Finish the first draft of my show by July” instead of “write more.”

Measurable

What does success look like to you? How will you know when this is complete or on track? This could be a number, a feeling, or something tangible that shifts. The best example of this was someone saying they would have run a marathon when they were holding the medal in their hand. My version of running a marathon is crossing the finish line.

Achievable

Is this actually doable with the skills or support you currently have? If not, what might you need to learn or ask for?

For example: if you’ve never learned to swim, is it achievable to sign up to swim the Channel next summer? Maybe break it down and start with some lessons first.

Realistic

With everything else going on in your life, is this realistic? Even if it’s achievable in theory, does it fit in right now?

Say you’re already in five improv teams that rehearse weekly - is it realistic to add joining a Monster Truck racing team into the mix? (does that even exist?!)

What might you need to swap out or can you scale the goal down a bit?

Timebound

When do you want to achieve this by? Having a timeline helps shift things from “maybe someday” into something you can plan around. This also helps the Realistic bit too!

Excited

How excited are you to do this on a scale of 1 to 10? If it’s low, can you add something that would make it more fun or meaningful?

Maybe booking a class with a friend would lift the energy. Or promising yourself a post-goal reward (snacks works well for me!)

Relevant

Does this align with your bigger goals, values, or intentions? Is it part of a bigger picture that matters to you?

Using SMARTER isn’t about becoming a productivity robot. It’s about giving your ideas a bit of shape and structure.

You can use it to:

• Map out a personal project

• Revisit that new year resolution

• Set gentle goals during a coaching session

• Or simply get clearer about what you’re actually aiming for

Got a goal in mind? Run it through this framework and see what shifts.

And if you want a bit of help thinking it through, you know where to find me!