You know that feeling? You've set a SMART goal, nicely worked out with specificity, measurability, achievability, relevance and time constraints. Maybe it was learning a new language in six months or reducing your coffee consumption by half. In theory it sounded perfect, but halfway through you got discouraged. What went wrong?

Before we introduce the solution, let's brush up on exactly what the SMART method means:

• Specific: Your goal should be clear and specific.
• Measurable: There must be a way to assess your progress and know when you have reached your goal.
• Acceptable:Your goal should be challenging yet achievable.
• Relevant:Your goal should fit within your broader life goals and aspirations.
• Time-bound:Your goal should have a deadline, which acts as a motivator and prevents procrastination.

These are the basics. But what if we could take them a level higher?

We add two more elements to the SMART mix: 'E' for 'Emotional connection' and 'R' for 'Responsibility'.

• Emotional connection

  Let's say you have resolved to go jogging every morning. It's a SMART goal, right? But on a rainy morning, it's so hard to get out of bed. What's missing? Emotional connection. When your goals are really important to you, when they touch you on an emotional level, you will be more determined to pursue them.

  Ask yourself this question when setting your next goal: why is this goal important to me? What feeling will achieving this goal give me?

• Responsibility

  The second added element is 'R' for 'Respsonsibility'. It is your goal and it is your responsibility to achieve it. By taking full responsibility for your goals, you have more control and are better able to overcome obstacles and avoid excuses.

The positive psychology of the SMARTER approach

Why is this SMARTER approach so powerful? This is where cognitive science comes in....

When you make an emotional connection with your goal, you create what is called a 'Positive Emotional Attractor' in positive psychology. This is a state in which positive emotions (such as joy, interest and excitement) take over. This creates an upward spiral of increased well-being and motivation. You feel more engaged, more creative and better able to cope with challenges. 

In fact, this positive emotional connection may be the key to keeping the engine of your motivation running.

And then we have the principle of the 'Locus of Control'. This concept refers to the extent to which people believe they have control over the events in their lives. An internal locus of control means that you believe your actions have a direct impact on the outcomes of your life. Adding 'Responsibility' to your goals can help you shift your locus of control inward. Only when you believe that you are in control and that you are the driving force will you achieve your goals. Moreover, an internal locus of control leads to higher self-esteem, better stress management skills and a greater sense of autonomy.

So there you have it; the SMARTER approach is not just a cute twist on a well-known acronym. It is a powerful, research-based strategy for setting and achieving your goals. 

So the next time you write down your goals, make them SMARTER. Add an emotional connection and take ownership. Good luck in achieving your goals, in a way that is a lot SMARTER!