The way most of us were taught to set goals could very well be the set up for disappointment. We've always been told in business seminars to write S.M.A.R.T goals. There are different versions of the acronym below but mostly you'll see it like this:
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Risky, Realistic or Relevant (depending on who's teaching)
Timely
To all of the above I say...rubbish!
In some cases a goal designed from the SMART model will work. For most people, most of the time, there needs to be less structure when setting a goal. Every person has to set a target based on where they are right now. This is mostly dependent on their emotional reactions to the goal, not their history of success regarding the area of focus.
Let me break this down step-by-step.
Specific - Yes, be specific as possible regarding your goal or desire. You are literally giving an order to the Universe about what to deliver to you. But if you only have a vague idea of what you want, that's fine! If you want to move, but have no idea about where, just be clear on some of the attributes your new location will have. You may only be clear that you want it to be sunny with friendly people. If that's all you know, then that's enough. If you begin to push yourself to be more detailed you'll run into resistance, which is not good for goal setting. ;-)
Measurable - If you can quantify the goal, do it. For some of us (like me), it makes the goal feel more concrete and creates excitement. But if it creates pressure, let it go or back off a bit. If you really want to attract $10,000 in new income but it sounds scary when you say it, maybe state it as $1000 increments until you reach the target.
Attainable - Everything is attainable. Period. A better question is, "Do I believe this is possible for me right now?" If not, again, back off a bit and then build up your belief.
Risky, Realistic or Relevant - None of these matter. Do you really want the goal or not? If you do, then that's what makes it a great thing to go after. Who gives a rip if it's a stretch for you or it's a side tangent. If it brings you delight before, during and after you manifest it, then go for it.
Timely - If setting a target date to manifest the goal creates enthusiasm, do it! If a deadline stresses you out or makes you fear failure, remove it! Hold a time frame lightly. If your goal manifests a day or two late would that be terrible? When you get attached to a certain date and it causes stress, it can be the biggest obstacle to attracting that goal fast.
Goal setting should be fun. It should feel like a fun game. If it's not, re-evaluate the goal itself, or look at the way you are thinking you need to be, or what you have to do to get the goal. Sometimes the goal is perfect but we perceive struggle in getting it. Let go of all the rules and have big amounts of fun.
Leanne Hoagland-Smith
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