We all have dreams. We envision the life we want to lead, the achievements we aspire to, and the person we strive to become. However, without clear goals and a roadmap, these dreams often remain elusive fantasies. This is where the transformative power of goal setting comes into play.

Goal setting is a proven strategy that helps us turn our dreams into reality and boosts our chances of success. It serves as a compass, directing our efforts towards meaningful objectives and motivating us forward. From personal aspirations to professional ambitions, goal setting provides the structure and motivation to navigate the unpredictable journey towards our desired destination.

This blog post will explore the evolution of goal setting and moving from “SMART” to “SMARTER” goals. While the S.M.A.R.T framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) has long been a staple in goal-setting methodologies, it’s time to take it further. We will uncover strategies and insights to elevate your goal-setting approach and enable you to enhance your personal and professional growth.

Defining Goal and Success: What Really Matters

The first step towards realising success is defining it, and this exercise is fundamental.

Ask yourself: “What are the three moments I felt on top of the world in my life?”

When we ask ourselves how we define success, we want to grasp what motivates us and our principles for decision-making. Prominent moments in our lives often shape our ideas of success.

For instance, my sense of worthiness in receiving public recognition for our work, as in emerging as a crucial part of Sinhtolina’s first Jumpsuit collection, charts my path to self-reliance and competence. In addition, acquiring a full-time scholarship to Brunel University instils a powerful belief in one’s capabilities. And lastly, sharing my life experiences and guiding Vietnamese students fosters a sense of mission, inspiring others to leave a positive imprint on the world.

So try to take time and define what success truly means to YOU. Others can inspire you, but remember that their success is NOT yours. We have different goals and different backgrounds. What matters to me does not necessarily matter to YOU and vice versa.

Navigating the Route to Success: from SMART Goal Setting

Completing the circle of success requires goal-oriented action. Hence, the S.M.A.R.T.E.R goal-setting protocol provides a methodology for lining up these actions. 

S.M.A.R.T. is a well-established framework often used in project management, employee performance management, and personal development to guide goal setting. The origins of the S.M.A.R.T framework trace back to the November 1981 issue of Management Review, introduced in a paper by George T. Doran called “There’s a S.M.A.R.T. way to write management’s goals and objectives.”

The S.M.A.R.T acronym is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Each of these characteristics is crucial for practical goal setting.

• Specific: When setting goals, it’s important to make them specific and clearly defined. Instead of having vague or general statements, specific goals provide clear guidance on what needs to be accomplished. They should answer questions like what needs to be done, why it needs to be done, and who is responsible for completing it (in this case, YOU are responsible). By having specific goals, everyone involved will clearly understand what needs to be achieved.

• Measurable: Goals should be measurable to track and quantify progress. By establishing metrics or criteria for measuring progress, you can objectively assess how close you are to achieving the goal. Furthermore, this measurement allows you to monitor your progress, evaluate your performance, and make necessary adjustments. Measurable goals also help you stay motivated by providing a sense of accomplishment as you see tangible progress.

• Achievable: While setting ambitious goals is important, they should still be realistic and attainable. Setting goals that are impossible to achieve can lead to frustration and demotivation. On the other hand, setting achievable goals acknowledges the effort and dedication required to attain them. With the right level of challenge and commitment, achievable goals provide a sense of purpose and confidence in your ability to reach them.

• Relevant (To You): Goals should be relevant to your objectives and priorities. They should align with your values, aspirations, and long-term vision. When setting goals, it’s crucial to consider their impact and how they add value to your overall growth and success. Relevant goals provide a sense of purpose and direction, ensuring your efforts focus on what truly matters.

• Time-bound: Setting a timeline or deadline for goals is vital for creating a sense of urgency and motivation. Without a specific timeframe, goals can quickly become open-ended or delayed indefinitely. In addition, by attaching a time-bound element, you set a clear target and establish accountability. At the same time, deadlines help prioritise tasks, manage time effectively, and push yourself to take action and progress within a specified timeframe. They also provide a sense of accomplishment when you meet or exceed the deadline.

Navigating the Route to Success: to SMARTER Goal Setting

The S.M.A.R.T. framework has since developed further, with some adding E.R. to form S.M.A.R.T.E.R and adding Evaluate and Review (or Readjust) to the original acronym. The S.M.A.R.T. concept has gained recognition mainly because it is easy to understand and can be applied to various personal and professional objectives, leading to better project management, improved performance, and purposeful personal development.

• Evaluate: How exactly am I going to keep track of the progress? You’re evaluating how things are going. Is the route to my goal still working for me? You need a system to keep track of your daily activities if they contribute to your goals.

• Review (or Readjust): It is important to remember that the goals you set can always be amended. The circumstances you’re in and the reason you set the goal in the first place will change. If a goal becomes less important to you over time, you’re less likely to achieve it. So, consistently reviewing your goals to ensure they remain Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound months after you initially set the goals is essential.

Being Specific about what ‘fit’ or ‘successful’ means to you tempers your actions towards achieving your goal. A Measurable target allows you to track your progress realistically and refine your methods. A fitness objective should also be Achievable within your existing circumstances and Relevant to your aspirations. Allocating a Time frame adds urgency and fires your motivation. Regularly Evaluating your progress helps you adapt your path towards your goal, and the ability to Readjust your goal to align with changes in your circumstances is crucial for sustained motivation.

Constructing the Pathway to Success: Action Planning and Accountability

Action planning is akin to transferring your goals into manageable steps. This strategic process guides you towards your goal, one step at a time.

The benefits of action planning are multifold:

• It provides crystal clear clarity on the directions to take in the pursuit of your goal.
• It helps to transform an intimidating objective into manageable layers, facilitating progress tracking in an organised manner.

To illustrate, I will use my career goal – securing a cherished graduate job within this calendar year, ideally before my graduation, sometime in June or July 2024. You can use this as an example and turn it into your version.

Step 1: Delve into introspection to identify my strengths, weaknesses, and passions.

Step 2: Delineate the type of roles that draw my interest and align with my identified strengths.

Step 3: Craft an impactful CV that will command attention in the swathes of applications

Step 4: Conduct solid research on potential companies that reflect my values and aspirations

Step 5: Embark on the mission of submitting job applications tailored to resonate with my desired roles.

Aligning Tasks with Your Goal: Micro Planning

Micro-planning is an invaluable tool to ensure you are consistently aligned with your goal. In addition, micro-planning breaks down your tasks into the nitty-gritty details, thus enhancing your responsibility.

WHAT?

• Define the specific output you aspire to achieve.
• Assign tangible actions to an hour of job search each day. This could include researching prospective employers, crafting compelling cover letters, scrutinising job advertisements, or submitting applications.
• Formulate precise objectives that each hour of job hunting should fulfil.

WHEN?

• Determine the frequency of your job hunt daily. If so, what time suits you best?
• Reflect on possible weekly incidents or commitments that could impede your progress.

WHERE?

• Decide the location where you anticipate to complete this task the best.

WHO?

• Evaluate if any other individuals are involved in this task.
• If yes, ensure they are transparently aware of their role and responsibilities.

HOW?

• Identify the tools essential to execute the respective tasks.
• Assure you’ll have every necessary tool when the time comes.

Consider if specific changes to your physical environment bolster the likelihood of completing your actions.

Evaluating Progress: The Final Measure of Success

The culmination of the journey to success lies in the destination and the transformational voyage that leads us there. Success measurement, therefore, extends beyond a mere juxtaposition of the present against the set goal. This reflective practice probes deeper, invoking contemplation on how thoughts, feelings, and capabilities have metamorphosed since the goal was established.

• Have there been shifts in your self-perception since you embarked on this journey?
• How have your thoughts and feelings towards yourself evolved?
• What new skills or capabilities have you acquired that were absent before?

This introspection is not semantically bound, for it applies whether you’ve achieved your goals. It emphasises the importance of self-awareness and continuous learning in personal development.

• How often did you seek help when needed along the journey?
• Did you ever sabotage your progress, inadvertently diminishing your chances of success?
• Which course of action would you replicate or avoid in the future?

These facets of self-analysis are essential, leading to a robust learning curve and contributing to future goal pursuits.

To implement this learning practically, categorise your forward actions into three clusters: START doing, STOP doing, and CONTINUE doing. Set S.M.A.R.T.E.R goals, crafting a detailed action plan, and measuring progress effectively. It’s a journey with challenges and learning, but each step forward paves the path towards further personal and professional growth. Keep going, One Step At A Time.