That's a lot SMARTER!

Do you know that feeling? You have set a SMART goal, beautifully detailed with specificity, measurability, achievability, relevance and a timeframe. Perhaps it was learning a new language in six months or cutting your coffee consumption in half. In theory it sounded perfect, but halfway down the road you became discouraged. What went wrong?

Before we introduce the solution, let us refresh what the SMART method exactly entails:

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

These are the basic principles. But what if we could take them to the next level?

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

• Emotionally connected

Let us say you have resolved to go jogging every morning. It is a SMART goal, right? But on a rainy morning it is so hard to get out of bed. What is missing? Emotional connection. When your goals are truly 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 'Responsibility'. 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 sciences come into play..

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 the helm. This creates an upward spiral of increased well-being and motivation. You feel more involved, more creative and better able to deal with challenges.

In fact, this positive emotional connection can 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 you believe that 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 inwards. Only when you believe that you are in control and that you are the driving force, will you achieve your goals. Furthermore, 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 fun twist on a familiar 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 bond and take responsibility. Good luck achieving your objectives, in a way that is a lot SMARTER!

By Steff Vanhaverbeke