Chapter 13
S.M.A.R.T.I.E.S GOALS
One of the more common techniques for goal setting is the concept of a "SMART Goal," which originated with the work of George Doran. Since then, different variations on the same theme have materialized. For example, Paul J. Meyer presents SMART goals as the following acronym:
Measurable
Attainable
Relevant
Time-bound (1)
Freedom Focused affirms the utility and value of this clever and memorable mnemonic construct. However, we also build upon it in several ways.
First, we add an "A" for Accountability.
Accountability in goal setting is important.
Why?
Because when you are accountable to others beyond yourself, you are more likely to achieve your goal by virtue of the positive peer pressure engendered by built-in accountability measures and structures. This is why you are required to enlist at least two and three witnesses, respectively, to notarize (sign) your SAL Declaration of Independence and SAL Constitution.
Our next addition is an "I," which stands for Interpersonal competition. Goals based on competition with others can be beneficial in some ways and at some times, but as a self-action leader, YOU should always focus primarily on competing with yourself, because in the end, the goal of SAL is not to defeat others; it is to become your best possible self.
Next, we add an "E" for Engaging.
If a goal doesn't interest and engage YOU, then you'll likely lack the motivation to invest the time and effort required to accomplish it. I believe that is why some managers and leaders fail to get their subordinates to successfully set and achieve goals. Externally motivated goals that are manager-driven or otherwise coerced or pressured from outside sources typically do not personally interest or naturally engage workers. To consistently set and achieve worthwhile goals, self-action leaders must set goals that motivate them internally.
Lastly, we add an "S" for Sane.
I've mentioned this quote twice previously (in BOOKS the SECOND and FOURTH), but it remains apropos to reiterate it here: Insanity is doing the same things over and over again while expecting different results.
"Insanity is doing the same things over and over again while expecting different results."
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| My 2015 Half Marathon racing shirt, number, and finisher's medal. |
Measurable
Attainability & Accountability
Relevant
Time-bound
Intrapersonally competitive
Engaging
Sane
Long-Range Goals
Long-range goals aid you in realizing your vision and accomplishing your mission. Long-range goals typically involve several months, an entire year, or even several years to accomplish.
Mid-Range Goals
Mid-range goals serve as major milestones in pursuit of long-range goals. Typically, mid-range goals take several days, weeks, or months (on up to a year) to accomplish. Mid-range goals and below are usually not included in your SAL Constitution. A better place for these—and other shorter-term goals—would be in a designated planning and/or calendaring system.
Short-Range Goals
Short-range goals serve as minor milestones that contribute to your completion of mid-range goals. Typically, short-term goals take hours, days, or weeks (on up to a month-or-so) to accomplish. Like mid-range goals, short-range goals are recorded in your planning and calendaring system instead of your SAL Constitution.
Daily Tasks
Daily tasks typically take anywhere from a few seconds, minutes, or hours (on up to a full-day) to accomplish.
In the case of uncompleted daily tasks that are either delegated or planned forward (not to be confused with procrastinated), it might take several days to complete some daily tasks.
Like mid- and short-range goals, daily tasks are written down in your planning and calendaring system rather than your SAL Constitution.
Daily task lists—also known as to-do lists—can be useful tools for setting and achieving ultra short-term goals intended to be completed within the confines of a single day. Depending on your personality, you may or may not enjoy the formal process of writing down tasks to be done and then checking them off—or crossing them off—your list upon completion.
Some people thrive on this practice and even use an old-fashioned notebook and pen or paper day planning system.
Others like to use technology in a similar way.
Still others—especially those with sharp memories—may prefer to simply utilize mental lists and notes.
It doesn't really matter how you do it. But since all of us do have things we need to accomplish every day of our lives, it makes sense to develop a system of daily task setting that works for you.
Prioritizing Your Daily Tasks
Because of its simplicity and ease of use, I commend this same system—or something similarly simple and straightforward—to you. As you mature in your time management skills over time, the ways in which you prioritize will likely evolve in the name of further ease and efficiency.
For example, at this point in my life, I rarely tangibly record a daily task (or to-do) list. I simply keep continual mental notes about what needs to be done and then avoid procrastination so I stay on top of everything that matters most to me.
It is a nice place to be; but remember it took me 45 years to get to this place!
So, be patient with yourself and utilize whatever tools you need or want to help you in your own, personal time management development and maturation.
In the next chapter, you will be introduced to a valuable SAL tool that will help you further with setting and achieving daily tasks. Before we dive into that method and tool, consider the following example of how daily tasks and short-, mid-, and long-range goals contribute to fulfilling a vision and accomplishing a mission.
VISION: Help hundreds (or even thousands) of young students to grow and succeed through academic instruction and character education and development.
MISSION: Become a successful career educator.
Long-Range GOAL: Graduate with a bachelor's degree, and earn a teacher's certificate.
Mid-Range GOAL: Select and apply for an academic major.
Short-Range GOAL: Meet with a guidance counselor to discuss potential academic pathways.
DAILY TASK: Call to arrange an appointment with a guidance counselor.
The SAL Time-Life Productivity Pyramid
- Develop a Planning System that works for you and journal about its details. Then answer the following questions:
- Is your system primarily technology-oriented, paper-based, or a combination of both?
- How/where will you keep track of different goals (Long-, Mid-, and Short-Term)
- How/where will you record and prioritize Daily Tasks?
- Practice writing two or three theoretical (or practical) Vision and Mission Statements, followed by a relevant Long-, Mid-, Short-Range Goal and Daily Task for each.
- Set two or three theoretical (or practical) Long-Range, Mid-Range, and Short-Range goals. Then run each goal through the S.M.A.R.T.I.E.S construct to see if it qualifies as a SMARTIES goal. If, after evaluation, a goal does not meet all of the SMARTIES' criterion, adjust your goal so that it does.
—Dr. JJ
Author's Note: This is the 446th Blog Post Published by Freedom Focused LLC since November 2013 and the 246th consecutive weekly blog published since August 31, 2020.
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Chapter 13 Notes
1. Meyer, P. J. (2006). Attitude is Everything!: If You Want to Succeed Above and Beyond (Vol. Volume 2). Merced, CA: Leading Edge Publishing.
