Be Smart About SMART Goals

As a leader, setting goals is an integral part of your job. You want to ensure that your team is moving in the right direction and that everyone is working towards a common objective. But, let’s be honest, SMART goals seem cliche, and there are valid critics who say they limit creativity and flexibility, do not adequately address the context, do not promote long-term thinking, and are too rigid.

While the SMART goal system may have these limitations, it also provides a structure and focus that is beneficial in achieving goals. The system’s rigidity offers a clear framework for goal-setting and progress tracking and remains a helpful tool for setting and achieving goals. Still, evolution helps, and at Karl Bimshas Consulting, we’ve adapted a modern take on the SMART goal system: the SMART+P goal.

A SMART+P Goal is: Specific, Measurable, Motivating and Meaningful, Attainable, Realistic, Time-based, Positive, and Personal.

• Specific — because general goals easily dissolve.
• Measurable, Motivating, and Meaningful — because you want to know you’re heading in the right direction, be excited by the journey, and feel that it’s important. (Make it M3 if that helps you.)
• Attainable — because you want to stretch yourself without overextending.
• Realistic — because if it’s not, you’ll lose your motivation.
• Time-based — because squishy time commitments will sabotage your efforts.
• + Positive — because adding or creating is often better than subtracting or destroying.
• Personal — because when it’s your own goal, you’re more likely to achieve it.

Why are SMART+P goals better than traditional SMART goals?

First, goals must be Specific. Broad goals tend to dissolve because they need more focus and direction to achieve them. Making your goals specific narrows your focus and increases your chances of success.

Goals should also be Measurable, Motivating, and Meaningful. You want to know that you’re heading in the right direction and have the motivation and drive to see your goals through to the end. By making your goals meaningful, you can ensure that you’re working towards something that matters.

Attainability is important too. You want to stretch yourself, but you don’t want to overextend yourself. Bend, don’t break. Setting attainable goals ensures you’re working towards something within reach while pushing yourself to be your best.

Realistic goals are crucial as well. You’ll lose your drive and feel defeated if your goals are unrealistic. By setting realistic goals, you can keep yourself motivated and on track.

Time-based goals are important too. Squishy time commitments sabotage your efforts, so setting specific deadlines for your goals is crucial.

But there’s more to it than that. That’s why we’ve added the +P to the SMART goal.

A Positive goal focuses on creating rather than destroying. When you set positive goals, you focus on the things you want to achieve rather than the items you want to avoid. This can be inspiring, as it helps you stay focused on the things that matter most.

Finally, Personal goals are important because when it’s your own goal, you’re more likely to achieve it. Setting goals personal to you ensures you have the drive to see them through to the end.

This version of the traditional SMART goal system provides an enhanced approach to goal-setting and leadership development. Try it and see how it helps you manage better and lead well.

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