I suspect that you have been taught to create SMART goals. You know, goals that are:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time Based
Things like:
- To increase sales by 2% by December 31.
- To exercise four hours a week between now and June 15.
- To have a coaching conversation with each member of my staff in 2016.
These are goals for those who like to check the box, measure results, and make tangible progress visible.
However, I’ve lately been wondering if SMART goals only represent a tiny part of what really matters, what really makes a difference, what really makes for a life worth living. For I’ve seen what happens when we create SMART goals, especially when we are going to be measured (and rewarded) for them in a work setting. We think small – remember they must be achievable. We divide our work into small fragments, losing sight of the overarching purpose. We document the doable into a tiny time box.
The Importance of HEART goals
I wonder what would happen if we also created HEART goals, ones that are:
- Holistic
- Enduring
- Aspirational
- Really Matter
- Timeless
Some examples:
- To provide experiences for our clients that dramatically improve their lives
- To live a healthy and active life
- To support and encourage my staff in ways that matter
It seems that, at the end of the day (or month or year or your life), that HEART goals are what really matter. It seems that while amorphous, they provide meaningful guidance. It seems that they can call us to be our best self. And it seems to me, that we intuitively know when we are living up to our HEART goals without using yardsticks and spread sheets.
The reason SMART goals are effective is that they do provide a way to break bit things into smaller pieces that can be measured. However, you have to know that the BIG thing is. My suggestion: start with a HEART goal and then, and only then, create SMART goals in support of it.
Perhaps your HEART goal is to do work that matters. Or do make a living and have a life. Or to be in control of your own career and life. If so, LEAP can help. To begin to turn your dream into reality, join LEAP Prosper Community where you can receive the support to achieve your goals. If you are wanting to start an independent consulting practice or improve an existing one, see if LEAP might help you achieve your HEART and SMART goals.
