An effective goal setting tool is an important success factor for achieving career advancement, personal growth, and effective life planning. Whether one's goals are financial, business growth, or for personal relationship improvement, goal achievement will depend on well structured and planned processes.
American science fiction author Robert Heinlein once said, "In the absence of clearly defined goals, we become strangely loyal to performing daily trivia until we ultimately become enslaved by it." To move beyond one's current personal or professional life situation, requires seeing a vision of something greater and setting goals to achieve the vision. Seeing a vision which differs from current reality sets up an internal tension to change. Though tension might seem something to avoid, in reality it is a very positive source of motivating energy and is the heart of effective goal setting.
For example, successfully losing weight requires more than the latest diet fad. It requires that the dieter be able to see herself at a lower weight. Having a vision of weighing thirty-pounds less than what the scale is currently reading sets up a strong motivating energy that drives one toward achieving the target weight.
SMART Goal Setting Model
A widely accepted goal setting tool is the model known by the acronym SMART. Though there are some variations in the words attributed to SMART, they all have similar context. Generally, SMART refers to goals which are:
- Specific, with a well-defined end result.
- Measurable, leaving little doubt the goal is achieved.
- Achievable and the goal is challenging but seems possible.
- Realistic and within the realm of possibility for the people and situations involved.
- Time based, having a specific end date for goal achievement.
For more information on applying SMART, see SMART Goal Setting.
Expanding SMART to the SMARTEST Model
Sherry Buffington, Ph.D. an internationally recognized trainer, consultant, coach, author and presenter, and president and CEO of NaviCore International, Inc., expands the SMART acronym in two ways, first expanding the range of adjectives describing SMART, then extending the acronym itself to include three additional attributes, yielding SMARTEST.
Buffington suggests additional characterizing words for SMART goal setting to make clearer the intent of effective goals. To specific, which forms the "S" of "SMART," Buffington adds "significant" and "stretching," signifying that an effective goal should be important to the goal-setter as well as challenging. Clarifying the "M" of "SMART," she adds "meaningfu"l and "motivational" to "measurable."
In addition to "achievable", the "A" can be expanded to include "acceptable," "agreed-upon," and "action-oriented." In addition to the "R" for "realistic," Buffington adds "relevant," "reasonable," "rewarding," and "results-oriented." Finally, she rounds out the "T" with "timely," "tangible," and "track-able."
Buffington's version of the goal setting acronym SMARTEST is formed from an "E" for "exciting," "energizing," and "effortless," an "S" for "sage," "satisfying," "sensible," and "sane," and finally a "T" for "true" to passion, purpose and mission. Other authors capture the SMARTEST acronym with slightly different descriptors. The authors of a site focused on mastermind groups attribute the "EST" of SMARTEST to "enriching," "shared" and "thoughtful."
Acronyms can be helpful as reminders of the components of effective goal setting. Time will tell if expanding the widely used model SMART to SMARTEST catches on with goal setting individuals and organizations.
Another Goal Setting Model
Author Caroline Adams Miller, in her book Creating Your Best Life, refreshingly suggests a non-acronym summary of effective goal setting. Miller's suggests that effective goals should have the following characteristics: specific and challenging, approach and not avoidance oriented, consistent with values, intrinsically motivating, measurable, producing ongoing feedback, non-conflicting, capable of stimulating the state of flow, written, committed, and capable of creating feelings of both independence and connectedness.
Comparing SMART, SMARTEST, and Miller's model, one can see considerable overlap and compatibility among the models.
The SAFE Goal Setting Model
For those inclined to be more visual, feeling, and right-brain oriented, this writer has previously proposed a goal setting model combining attributes of SMART with concepts of the Law of Attraction, and known as SAFE. SAFE is an acronym for: "see," "accept," "feel" and "express."
- See the Goal – The ability to visualize an end goal assures the goal is specific and personal.
- Accept it – The ability to accept an end goal as achieved assures it feels appropriately challenging and consistent with one's values.
- Feel it – Feeling the emotions of successful goal attainment stimulates energy and commitment.
- Express it – Verbalizing the goal and its achievement further strengthens commitment, resolve, and energy.
The SAFE model for goal setting assumes that once the broad SAFE actions are taken, the specific actions for goal attainment will naturally follow. SAFE incorporates the power of the Law of Attraction to help one accomplish goals. For more information on goal achievement using SAFE, read Creative Goal Setting.
Effective Goal Setting Tools
Which goal setting tool is best? In the absence of scientific studies comparing the processes, selecting a model for achieving goals is a personal preference. Each model shares similar qualities to the others. An effective goal must be personal, specific, and energizing. When a goal can be visualized, with specific benefits which are energizing and attractive, goal achievement is more likely, regardless of the model utilized.
A comprehensive Summary of Goal Setting Activities provides further information.
Jerry Lopper - IPPA member, business and engineering degrees. Jerry's passion for personal development shows in 5 books, hundreds of articles & ...
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