“If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else.”

– Yogi Berra

It seems any time the topic of goal setting comes up, someone mentions SMART goals. I, for one, am not a fan. In fact, I think SMART goals are pretty dumb. If you disagree, bear with me and read on.

This standard acronym for goal setting feels uninspiring and safe. Specific and measurable I can grasp, but achievable, realistic, and time-based? Those guidelines don’t feel very risky or passion-filled to me. Why set a goal if it doesn’t scare and thrill you just a bit?

Good goals are meant to stretch you, to excite you about what’s possible, so you chase after them at all costs. You won’t reach your goals unless you act, and you’re less likely to act on goals that don’t invigorate you.

When I was gaining my certification as a professional coach through the Co-Active Training Institute, I was introduced to a more exciting method of goal setting that adds some ART to your SMART. See if you like this method as much as I do.

Thrilling Goals – “Thrilling” goals are those that you can’t wait to begin. If you establish a goal that really electrifies you (even if it scares you) your chances of success skyrocket. Your goal isn’t meant to be something you feel you should do. Create a goal that inspires and delights you.

Ask yourself, What possibilities exist for me beyond my goal? What will its completion bring to my life? How will I feel? Connect to that vision and see what transpires.

Resonant Goals – Setting “realistic” goals might make them easier to achieve, but it likely won’t help you grow beyond what you already know. In this SMARTer version of goal setting, we move away from establishing a realistic goal toward creating a resonant one.

Do you truly want the goal you set? Does it move you toward becoming more of the person you want to be? Does it have a lasting presence in your head and heart as you work on it?

Accountable Goals – If you set good goals, you’ll achieve them, and the best way to do that is to change this A to “accountable.” Having someone hold you accountable to your process is an excellent way to support success.

Measurable and Specific Goals – Make your goal measurable and attach a date to it. This step is essential because it helps you know when you’re there. Good goals are also crystal clear in their outcome. What do you want for yourself?

Do you see how setting SMART (specific, measurable, accountable, resonant, thrilling) goals is far more powerful than setting achievable, realistic, and time-based goals?

When we connect our goals to our passions, we add a gripping presence to them, and, as if by magic, the goals become achievable. For more on this, download a copy of my article: Add ART to Your SMART Goals michellecederberg.com

Until next time. I’m Michelle Cederberg, reminding you we’ve got one chance to do this life. I say Dare To Live It Big and dare to set big resonant goals that inspire and thrill you.

P.S. this post is an excerpt from my latest book The Success-Energy Equation. Read below to find out how to get your copy and take advantage of more information like this that will decrease stress and drive success.