We’ve all heard about SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. They’re a classic for a reason—they help us stay focused and productive. But what if we could take goal-setting to the next level?
That’s where SMARTER goals come in. They add depth, purpose, and a touch of daring to the process, helping us not only accomplish more but also grow in the process. Here’s how you can set goals that truly free you to complete what matters most.
What Are SMARTER Goals?
SMARTER stands for:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Actionable
- Risky
- Time-Keyed
- Exciting
- Relevant
Let’s break it down.
1. Specific
A vague goal is like wandering into the woods without a map. Specificity brings clarity. Instead of saying, “I want to grow my business,” try, “I want to gain three new clients in the next 60 days.”
When you’re specific, you know exactly what you’re aiming for and what success looks like.
2. Measurable
What gets measured gets managed. A measurable goal lets you track progress and adjust your strategy as needed.
Ask yourself: How will I know I’m making progress? Whether it’s revenue, hours, or milestones, define clear metrics to gauge success.
3. Actionable
Dreams are great, but they need legs to walk. An actionable goal answers the question: What steps can I take to move forward?
Break your goal into manageable actions. If the goal feels too big, focus on one bite-sized task at a time. Progress, no matter how small, builds momentum.
4. Risky
Here’s where things get interesting. Risky doesn’t mean reckless—it means stretching beyond your comfort zone.
A risky goal should challenge you, push you, and even scare you a little. Why? Because growth doesn’t happen in the comfort zone. It happens when we take bold steps toward something bigger than ourselves.
For example, instead of aiming to maintain your current workload, why not challenge yourself to double your client base in six months? That’s a goal worth chasing.
5. Time-Keyed
Deadlines create focus. A time-keyed goal keeps you accountable by anchoring it to a specific timeframe.
Rather than saying, “I’ll start working on my website eventually,” say, “I’ll launch my website by March 1.” That sense of urgency moves your goal from someday to today.
6. Exciting
Let’s be real: If your goal doesn’t light a fire in you, you’ll lose steam fast. Exciting goals align with your passions, values, and vision for the future.
Ask yourself: Does this goal energize me? If not, tweak it until it does. Excitement fuels persistence, even when the work gets hard.
7. Relevant
Finally, a goal should align with your broader purpose and priorities. Don’t chase goals that don’t fit the life you’re building.
For example, if your focus is on growing a coaching business, setting a goal to write a novel might not be the best fit right now. Stay focused on what matters most to you in this season.
Freed to Complete
Setting SMARTER goals isn’t just about achieving more. It’s about creating goals that align with your values, challenge you to grow, and energize you for the journey.
When your goals are specific, measurable, actionable, risky, time-keyed, exciting, and relevant, you’ll not only accomplish more—you’ll live with purpose, wholeness, and impact.
So, what’s your next SMARTER goal? Let’s go after it together!
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