A smarter approach to setting goals?

Following a framework to help you succeed

Growing up, I was never one for setting goals. To this day, whenever I hear someone spell out their patented formula for helping you achieve your optimized self, my brain immediately starts interpreting it like the teacher in Charlie Brown. Wah wa-wah wa-wah wah wah wah …

Nevertheless! My wife, Lena, threw one of those catchy acronyms at me the other day that punctured my cynical shell. Perhaps you’ve heard of SMART goals, which stands for: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time bound. 

Normally, this kind of business-speak blather goes in one ear and out the other. Yet, when Lena said the words, “project manager,” it started to resonate. As it pertains to running or fitness or general self-improvement objectives, you are the project, as well as the manager. 

That’s a tough spot because you not only have to come up with a goal, you also have to figure out how you’re going to stay on track, while holding yourself accountable. My guess is that’s why so many New Year’s resolutions fall short. Without some kind of structural framework to help you achieve your goals, you’re setting yourself up to fail.