Most people have heard that when it comes to setting goals, you’re supposed to set SMART goals. SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Reasonable, and Time-based.
I’m in agreement with the first 3 of those.
Goals need to be specific, not wishy-washy. “I want to lose weight” is not a goal, it’s a daydream. “I will weigh 184 lbs by the end of this fitness bootcamp” is a goal.
“I want to be invisible” is neither measurable nor achievable, so we’re back into daydreaming again. Obviously you need to be able to measure your progress towards your goal, and your goal must ultimately be achievable if it is going to have any real value. Simple enough.
I’ve got a little bit of an issue with setting Reasonable goals though. Always being reasonable means you never really have to reach out of your comfort zone and push yourself. Unreasonable goals, if still achievable, will force you to push yourself further than you are used to, into the area where real growth and accomplishment occur.
Always being reasonable (at least as far as goal setting goes) is for sissies. Run with scissors once in a while. Be unreasonable.
As far as Time-based goes, that is okay, but could be improved. I prefer to have Event-based goals. The difference is subtle, but important.
If you say you want to lose 9 lbs of fat by August 31, and you don’t do it, well, so what? Where is the consequence for not meeting your deadline? There is no consequence. With some random date as a deadline, it is too easy to let yourself off of the hook when you really need to push yourself to make your goal.
With an Event-based deadline there will be a consequence for not making your goal. Let me explain.
Instead of picking an arbitrary date on the calendar, pick an event based in the future: a school reunion, a wedding, a family gathering, a trip, etc. Don’t have any of those coming up? No problem. Call your doctor and set an appointment for a physical.
Now, tell someone close to you about your goal to lose 9 lbs by the reunion/wedding/gathering/trip/physical/etc. Now you have a real incentive to stick to your plan because you can picture yourself 9 lbs lighter at your specific event, and if you don’t make it, the person you told will know.
The other benefit is that when you do reach your goal, not only will you feel great about it, but you’ll have that other person to share your success with.
~Dave
About the Author
Dave Soucy is a coach, trainer, motivator, husband, dad, and former fat guy. His goal is to teach as many people as possible how to achieve a life of health, fitness, and wellness through simply eating right and exercising. Click here to learn more about Dave.
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