The SMARTEST method is designed to keep you focused and make your goals achievable
The subconscious mind is your strongest ally when trying to achieve your goal. This part of the mind, which controls the majority of our actions or habits, finds it difficult to distinguish between what is vividly imagined and what is actually happening in reality.
It’s like watching a movie. We all know that the movie took a year to make with actors in a studio. Yet, when we watch it, we are there in it, feeling the emotions as if it is real.
When setting a goal, you need to look “for a little movie in any goal”. That’s where the SMARTEST method comes in.
Magic in the details
The first thing that this method calls for is specifics. Vague goals are like trying to nail jelly to a wall. Instead of saying, “I want to get fit”, consider setting a detailed goal for example: “I want to wheel five kilometres in under 30 minutes by 14 June 2025”.
Now, that’s a goal with some meat on its bones. Remember the subconscious mind is looking for a little movie or a documentary that is honest.
Keep an eye on the prize
If you can’t break it down and measure it, how will you know when you’ve achieved it? Set clear criteria for success as well as smaller milestones to measure your progress.
For example, you might do five kilometres three times a week to track your progress by noting the time on that distance each time. Additionally, you could aim to reduce your time by a minute a week.
It’s like having a scoreboard for your life. Who doesn’t love a good win? You must be able to break it down into mini goals.
Dream big, but do small
Ambition is great, but it is good to keep your goal and milestones realistic. Setting a goal to do a marathon next month might be a tad overzealous. You can dream about completing a marathon, but you should start small and build momentum.
Perhaps you can start with a five-kilometre race under 30 minutes in three months, then 10, then 21 and finally a marathon. Baby steps, every journey starts with a single step… You must be able to achieve it.
Keep it real
Your goal should matter to you. It should be relevant. If it’s not, why bother? Make sure your goals align with your broader life objectives. If your aim is to improve your health and fitness, setting a goal of completing five kilometres under 30 minutes is highly relevant. Your goal should help you work towards your ideal life.
Clock is ticking
Every goal needs a deadline. Without one, it’s easy to procrastinate. Set a realistic timeframe and break it down into smaller milestones. Draw up a programme (or find one online) that will provide smaller goals.
Perhaps that might mean doing five kilometres in under 50 minutes in February, in under 40 minutes in April so that you can do it in under 30 minutes by June.
Your subconscious mind needs to know by when this must be completed to keep you motivated and on track.
Energy in motion
Emotion is said to be energy in motion. Adding an emotional component to your goals will be a game-changer. Think about how achieving your goal will make you feel.
When writing your goal, include this emotion in your writing so that you experience it every time you read your goal (which should be daily). For example, you might write: “Eventually, I want to do a marathon to honour my late father who was an avid runner.” This tugs at the heartstrings and will keep you motivated, create energy.
Take responsibility for your goal
Self-directed goals are those you set for yourself, not ones imposed by others. When you take ownership of your goals, you’re more committed to achieving them. Reflect on what you truly want to accomplish.
Include your reason for achieving your goal when writing it all out. For example, “I want to finish five kilometres in under 30 minutes to improve my fitness and eventually do a marathon.” This is a self-directed goal that resonates deeply.
Change is good
Transformational goals lead to significant personal growth. These goals challenge you to step out of your comfort zone. When writing your goal, think of how it may lead to transformation.
For example, you may say: “I want to do a five- kilometre race in under 30 minutes to build my endurance and boost my confidence.” This is sure to lead to profound change.
Embrace the journey
As you gear up for the New Year, consider using the SMARTEST method to set goals that are not only specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound, but also emotional, self-directed and transformational.
This approach ensures your goals are meaningful and aligned with your personal beliefs and values, which leads to greater motivation and success.
Read your goal daily and imagine what it would feel like when it is achieved to make full use of your subconscious. Consider sharing your goal with a friend or life coach so that they can help you stay accountable.
Remember, the journey towards achieving your goals is just as important as the destination. Embrace the process, celebrate your progress, and enjoy the ride.
