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A Smarter Goal - by Coach Donna Stott

coach donna stott your coaching matters Jun 28, 2021

You’ve heard of SMART goals, right?  

Different people do different things with the mnemonic acronym letters…  

The S is usually “Specific”, but I’ve also seen it as an S for: Simple, Significant, Sensible, 

The M is usually “Measurable”, but I’ve also seen it as an M for: Meaningful, Motivating,

The A is usually “Achievable”, but I’ve also seen it as an A for:  Attainable, Agreed Upon, Actionable

The R is usually “Realistic”, but I’ve also seen it an R for: Reachable, Reasonable, Results-Based, Relevant, Reviewed-Often, Risky, Repeatable

The T is usually “Time-Based”, but I’ve also seen it as a T for: Timely, Time-bound, Time-limited, and most recently TESTED. 
We have studied this and for several years used Goals that ARE SMART using some of the above and adding in additional words.

What works best for me is to think of it as:  A SMARTER goal

The words I choose for that Acronym and what they mean to me are:

 A – Attainable – Meaning, it’s something realistic and possible to achieve. My monkey mind doesn’t scream bloody murder. It’s OK if it’s nervous, it just doesn’t quit hands down because it’s perceiving it as impossible. 

S – Specific – Meaning I can state the Goal Clearly in a way that we can say without ambiguity – Yep, I did it. Nothing squishy like “More” or “Better” or “Improve…  Anyone could read the goal, look at the outcome, and see clearly if the goal was met.

M – Measurable The Goal must have measurable steps.  Without being able to measure until the end means less motivation throughout! 

A – Actionable – The Goal must require that ACTIONS are taken to achieve it.  It’s not up to simply Time or Circumstances… but there a specific (see S) actions that need to be done by YOU the goal-setter, to have the goal reach achievement.

R – Relevant – A meaningful goal must be one in alignment with and something that SUPPORTS your life intentions. If it does not, it’s not A SMARTER goal.

T- Time Based – A SMARTER goal is one that has an end date. By X date this will be done. Period. 

E – Exciting It must be a stretch or it’s not A SMARTER GOAL.  So… Attainable, yes, but not BORING.  There is a sense of Excitement about going for it! 

R – Results-Based – A SMARTER goal is one that is based on a certain result happening.  There is something that occurs from the effort. 

Now, the key is to TRY using "A SMARTER GOAL"  on one of your goals - how does each letter layout? Does it make your goal a little clearer? More relevant to what you want to achieve? 

Let us know how using “A Smarter Goal” worked for you in the comments below!!