Beyond SMART: An Unconventional Approach to Goal-Setting

Dive into an expanded snippet from my free self-coaching course, introducing a novel path to goal-setting.
I am making it available to all because unconventional success requires unconventional strategies.

How do you feel about goals?

Do goals evoke motivation, or does the word itself trigger rejection? I'm caught in between. Traditional goal-setting frameworks never worked for me. And yet, I excel at turning my dreams into reality.

I’ve realized why that is, and this blog post is the answer.

SMART Goals and Creativity: An Unlikely Match

One of the most popular goal-setting frameworks is called SMART.

While it may work for some, I utterly reject it. To free us from unhelpful advice, I’ll share it, critique it, and add a rebellious twist. (Skip this part if you're easily offended).

The traditional model, SMART, stands for:

Specific: Goals should be clear, precise, and well-defined. Answer who, what, where, when, and why, for a clear direction for action.

(While clarity is valuable, too much precision can feel like putting dreams in a box. Who knows what joyful wonders might unfold if we make room for spontaneity?)

Measurable: Include criteria that allow for quantitative or qualitative assessment of progress. This helps monitor progress and makes it clear when the goal is reached.

(Is this a test or a science project? Measuring goals is like trying to capture the wind in a net. Success is a feeling, an ethereal experience. It is about embracing the unknown, not counting the steps.)

Achievable: Goals should be realistic and attainable, considering the available resources and constraints. They should challenge but not overwhelm, promoting motivation and commitment.

(I hate being realistic. How do I know that I have the accurate data set to measure if I am being realistic? What if I am cutting myself off from big leaps by limiting my goal before even starting?)

Relevant: Goals should align with broader objectives. They should help the larger mission or vision, ensuring efforts are directed toward what truly matters.

(I actually agree with this one but the way it's phrased is so... unexciting. Let's not settle for fitting into the larger mission. Let's create a mission that is not just connected but deeply soul-stirring. Life's too short for mundane goals.)

Time-Bound: Goals should have a specific timeframe or deadline. This creates urgency, guides priorities, and facilitates the measurement of progress.

(It also helps me feel like a robot who lives under the state of dictatorship.)

By using these principles, SMART goals offer a clear framework that boosts clarity, motivation, and the chances of success. (It also successfully imposes rigid restrictions that stifle my natural flow of creativity).

Now, here’s the antidote for creative people who don’t value methodical structure: SMART 2.0.

SMART 2.0:
A Guide for Creative Souls

Here's an antidote for creative individuals who don't value methodical structure. Let's explore SMART 2.0:

Spontaneous Goals (S):

Set flexible goals that allow room for unexpected twists. Embrace the spontaneous flow of your obsessions.

Meaningful Goals (M):

Craft goals that go beyond basic objectives. Make them deeply reflect your authentic self, leading to authentic growth.

Adventurous Goals (A):

Bring excitement, curiosity, and exploration into each goal, turning it into a thrilling adventure. How can you make it fun?

Rebellious Goals (R):

Create goals that defy the ordinary, challenge the status quo, and are audacious. Reject the 'realistic' part; realistic equals boring.

Timeless Goals (T):

Let your goals unfold in a timeless manner. Acknowledge that personal growth has its own pace. Champion persistence over consistency.

Embracing Unrealistic Goals: My Journey

As seen from my strong language, I particularly reject the 'realistic' part. Many of the experiences I desired were unrealistic, mainly because I don't come from money. Yet, I didn't let it stop me. Here are some of my favorite undertakings:

• Lived in 4 continents and 7 countries

• Studied at the best university in Australia

• Learned Spanish while studying at a Spanish university among locals

• Traveled solo in South America

• Moved to San Francisco with $400 to my name

• Bought an apartment in a skyscraper
  
  None of these goals were realistic, but I am not here to live a realistic life.

A Guide to Being Unrealistic: Setting Your Outrageously Audacious Goals

You’ve heard the saying, "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." Well, I propose we redefine this classic saying. How about, "Shoot for a galaxy far, far away, and let the cosmos be your playground"?

Being unrealistic isn't about setting goals that others deem unattainable. It's about crafting your narrative of success without conforming to conventional expectations. In addition to, SMART 2.0, here's your guide to embracing the beauty of the unreal:

Embrace the Outlandish:

Set goals that make you raise an eyebrow, not just others. If your goals don't evoke a mix of excitement and nervousness, they might not be bold enough. Consider this your license to dream in vivid, Technicolor detail.

The Quantum Leap Approach:

Quantum leaps don't follow a linear path. They're unpredictable, spontaneous, and often mind-bending. Apply the same principle to your goals. Take unexpected turns, explore the unknown, and enjoy the plot twists of your journey.

Audacity Over Austerity:

Forget being modest with your aspirations. Modesty doesn't trigger revolutions; audacity does. Seek goals that not only elevate you but also have a ripple effect on the world around you. Unleash the power of your audacious dreams.

Celebrate the 'Unreal' Wins:

When you achieve something others thought impossible, relish in the victory. It's not just about reaching the summit; it's about proving that the summit was never the limit. Each 'unreal' win is a testament to your courage, resilience, and impact.

Tap Into Your Potential with Coaching:

A skilled coach unlocks invaluable insights. You get tailored tools that empower you to navigate the complexities of your journey. Coaching is collaboration that leads to clarity about your values, vision, and blind spots. We chart a course aligned with your deepest aspirations.

Setting audacious goals is the first step in rewriting your narrative. But the journey requires more than a compass. It requires support. Whether through coaching or other allyship, great things need great support.

Consider this an invitation to explore the transformative power of coaching. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a novice explorer, coaching can be the support you need to propel you forward.

Your Journey: An Epic Saga of Creativity and Courage

Remember, embracing unrealistic goals is not a rejection of reality. It's a celebration of infinite possibilities within your grasp. Those bold enough to question the conventional path open up to an unfolding mystery.

Your journey is not just a story. It's an epic saga of creativity, courage, and the pursuit of the extraordinary. Reach out today and let's map out the possibilities that await you.

To your boldest pursuits, Ramunė

Forever On The Move - Guiding Individuals & Brands to Authentic Growth