So why do I say this? Because you by now will have a plethora of management sites and consultants bombarding you with the message to create a set of S.M.A.R.T goals for the new year.
These goals can actually be Stupid Moronic And Really Terrible if you don’t frame up the desired result and set tasks to achieve the outcome.
Basically, a set of goals on a piece of paper without a process to achieve them are nothing more than a pipe dream. Also, in framing up the smart goals you need to have an emotional aspect to the outcome, for without an emotion there is no motivation to achieve these goals.
So, what’s the approach?? First there must be some pain associated with your current state. You emotionally need to create a goal that enables you to move away from your current state or toward a future state.
The first question you need to ask is Why? Why do I want to set this goal? The next question is What? What do I want to achieve in setting this goal? The next question is When? When am I going to start? And finally, the most important question is How? How am I going to achieve this goal.
Now the How is the most important part in setting a goal, for without the How, you will wake up in 2024 and nothing has changed. The how is a set of methodical steps or tasks that are documented, and time lined that once achieved move you closer to your goal. The best way to manage these is to write them up on a big piece of butchers paper and place them where you can see them ever day.
Remember to cross them off as you complete each task, this also gives you a visual sense of achievement. Finally you need to wrap this goal in an emotional outcome.
What will it feel like when I achieve my goal? What will I say to myself or what will people say about me when I achieve my goal?
And finally, What if I achieve my goal? What next?
So, are your SMART goals smart? Have you set up the frames to achieve your goals? Or in 2024 will they have just been a Stupid Moronic And Really Terrible pipe dream?