Antoine de Saint-Exupéry once said A goal without a plan is just a wish.
Think about it- how often do you set lofty goals for yourself only to continue to lose motivation after just a few days or weeks? You're not alone. Many people value dynamic growth, but they struggle to either set realistic goals or don't know how to measure progress effectively. Like most things in life, goal-setting is a skill that requires practice and a respective trial-and-error process.
Based on your specific intentions, SMART and FAST goals offer two different goal-setting frameworks. Here is how they work:
What is a FAST Goal?
FAST goals stand for frequently discussed, ambitious, specific, and transparent. FAST goals may be beneficial when you have ambitious goals and are working in a dynamic or team-oriented setting. FAST goals work well for business goals and overall strategy execution. They can also be applied to an individual level.
FAST goals entail the following concepts:
Frequently discussed: To ensure successful strategy execution, your goal should be reviewed regularly both individually and with other relevant team members.
Ambitious: The goal should be challenging but not so difficult that it's impossible. When discussing goals, try to evaluate what makes a goal reasonable to all of you.
Specific: The goal needs to be tangible and concrete. This allows team members to define appropriate deliverables and assess performance.
Transparent: Transparent goals may enhance individual accountability, which can drive self-motivation and boost overall performance management. The effect of peer pressure may encourage employees to meet their full potential.
For example, let's say you want to save $250 this month to start building your emergency fund. You'll share your goal with a friend (frequently discussed), and if you're typically saving $0, this may feel challenging enough that you're pushed. $250 is a clear, specific amount, and you might decide to update your friend on your progress regularly (transparency).
What are SMART Goals?
SMART goals stand for goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. The SMART framework offers a structured approach for concrete short-term or short-to-medium-term goals. They're also beneficial if you struggle with procrastination or resonate with having a fear of success.
Unlike FAST goals, SMART goals tend to focus more on individual performance, and they do not require sharing your plans with another person.
For example, let's say you want to start exercising more frequently. A SMART goal for this might be: I will exercise at least three times per week for 30 minutes each session. I will assess my progress within 30 days. These goals are tangible, meaning it's not just about claiming that you want to be more physically active- instead, you're creating a deliberate plan for yourself.
Guidelines for Effective Goal-Setting
Whether you choose to implement fast goals or smart goals, it's important to understand that you need to build an internal system for achieving these goals. The more you can lean on these principles, the more likely you are to be successful.
Identify your 'why': Spend some time reflecting on why this goal feels so important to you right now. Write down the reasons that come to mind. When motivation wanes- or you start questioning your capacity- this 'why' can act as a profound anchor.
Break large goals into manageable steps: People often set grandiose goals that sound great on paper but often feel impossible to execute. While there's nothing wrong with 'going big,' it's often more empowering to stretch yourself just beyond your current abilities and resources. Achievement begets achievement, so the more you conquer certain goals, the more momentum you will likely have.
Lean into self-compassion: Although it may seem counterintuitive, it's important to prioritize self-compassion as you track progress and review your goals. Setbacks happen- they are an inherent part of what it means to be human. Instead of beating yourself up when you make a mistake, try to lean into more self-kindness. Remind yourself of your own humanness.
Give yourself the gift of flexibility: Sometimes goals need to be adjusted based on unexpected challenges or certain life circumstances. Be mindful of the all-or-nothing thinking that changing is synonymous with failure. Life is short, and if you aren't setting relevant goals, you may be wasting your time or energy.
Find the right people to hold you accountable: Setting goals can be a personal process, but you may find that connecting with others makes the work feel more enriching, meaningful, and worthwhile. Let others in and let them help celebrate your successes!
Achieving Goals and Strengthening Your Mental Health with Resurface Group
At Resurface Group, many clients come to us feeling stuck in life. They have meaningful goals, but unresolved trauma, substance abuse, or serious mental health issues have impacted their capacity to function.
If you identify with these stressors, we can help support you in achieving goals and maintaining a level of sustained success, regardless of where you are in your recovery journey.
Contact us today to learn more and to connect with a treatment professional today.
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