I’ve recommended that you ditch your goals altogether. But if you find value in the goal-setting process, let me give you one quick tip that has helped me immensely.
We’ve been taught to set S.M.A.R.T. goals:
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Results-focused
Time- bound
The funny thing about this method is that it sounds very thorough and precise, but it actually has a big gaping hole. The SMART method of goal setting says nothing about your goal being in your direct control or not. And therein lies the difference between goals that are predictable or just a shot-in-the-dark.
I began thinking about this when I first read the book How I Found Freedom In An Unfree World by Harry Browne.* He implores the reader to focus on results that you have direct control over in your life, and let go of worrying about things that you have little or no control over. You don’t need to watch the news, participate in politics, or sit on committees in order to gain more personal freedom. Because in all of those cases, you end up spending a significant amount of mental, emotional, and physical energy on outcomes that you have little or no control over.*
I try to implement this in my life and it has made a great difference in my personal freedom and sense of contentment and well-being. But it sparked an idea in me about the goals that I had been pursuing. I, like many others, was in the habit of setting goals that were ultimately out of my control. Sure I might be able to influence the results to a certain degree, but ultimately the accomplishment would require just as much luck as work.
Let me give you a couple of examples, then you can examine your own goals to see if you are falling into the same trap.
Fitness Goals, “SMART” vs. Direct Control
A SMART fitness goal might look something like this:
“I want to lose 8 lbs in the next month.”
Does it meet the criteria for a SMART goal? Sure. It’s very specific. Obviously, it’s measurable. Is it achievable? Well, that depends on how much one needs to lose, but let’s assume this person is 50lbs overweight and just getting started. So yes, losing 8 lbs in one month is achievable.
Results-focussed? Check!
Time-Bound? Yep!
In your direct control? Maybe not.
Weight loss is far more complicated than the calories-in vs. calories-out mantra we’ve been taught. Hormonal fluctuations, water retention, body composition (muscle to fat ratios) all have a huge impact on what you actually weigh. You could do everything right and still come up short of achieving your goal.
I’ve witnessed this in my clients over the years. I’ve seen people get measurably stronger, leaner, lose inches off their waist, feel better, have more energy, get off blood pressure meds, etc... and still be frustrated because they had some number goal associated with a weight that they didn’t achieve.
Ironically, their goal actually kept them from seeing their own progress.
Before we get to a better approach, let’s look at one more example. One that hits close to home...
Steemit and writing goals
I have a vision for my writing career. I see myself traveling the world, studying various subjects, learning various skills, and sharing that growth with you so that you might learn from my hard work. I have several books outlined. I post on Steemit as well as LiveAllYourLife.com. I am confident that I will have a location-independent income that will allow me to escape the drab winters of the Pacific NorthWest.
Some specific “SMART” goals for this might look like:
I will have 2,000 Steemit followers by November 1st, 2017.
Or...
I will make an average of $150 per post by the end of the year.
These certainly meet all the criteria of SMART goals, but guess what? I have absolutely no control over the outcomes that are being measured!
Better than "smart"
Instead of a weight-loss goal, set a habit goal.
For the next 30 days, I will not eat processed food or white starches/sugar.
For the next 30 days, I will do a minimum of 10 minutes of intentional exercise every day, and more when I can. This could be Acro-Yoga, CrossFit, Indian Clubs, a briskly paced walk... but it will be more than I’m used to.*
These goals are under your direct control. The results may be the same as the weight-loss goal. After all, I assume if your goal is weight loss that you will have some sort of plan to get there. But here’s the big difference; when you focus on your habits you can feel successful every single day that you do them. When all you’re focussed on is the end result, you are delaying any sense of achievement for the final day. That is if you hit your goal.
When you focus on your habits and actions as the goal, you can still consider yourself successful even if you lose 6 lbs instead of 8.
Instead of setting writing goals for followers or payouts, I have habit goals. I write every day. I’m endeavoring to publish one article for every day in September- and presumably going forward. I’m also reading or watching lectures every day to improve my writing. Quantity will be unsatisfying if the quality is rubbish, so I’m striving to improve my writing through my daily habits.
I have control over this. Yes, it can still be very hard. Outside influences can still get in the way, but I have control over my actions and the responses I give to those obstacles. I have absolutely no control over who upvotes my article or how many people decide to follow me.
I still enjoy seeing the milestones. On Steemit, I recently passed the 200 follower mark and it looks like my last post might be my first $100 post! You can use those metrics to see that you’re making progress. The pounds lost or the followers gained can give you valuable feedback. Use them as guidance in improving your approach to your habits. But make your habits the goal.
I have nothing against setting SMART goals. But I think they are exponentially smarter if you make sure they are actually in your direct control.
What do you think?
*If you ever read one book that I recommend, make it this one.
*We can go deeper and debate the validity of this line of thinking in a future post but for now let’s stay focused on how it applies specifically to goal-setting.
*If 30 days sounds daunting, make it 10 days to start.