The 8 Types Of SMART Goals You Should Set (With Examples)
Have you ever felt lost when it comes to goal setting?
The ambiguous nature of “goals” means that science-backed systems are welcomed, and when it comes to what specific goals you should be setting - there’s a formula for that, too.
The beauty of this formula is that it doesn’t just help in the “setting and getting” process of goals - it also provides the goal-getter with higher levels of enjoyment, motivation, happiness, and fulfillment along the way. Afterall it’s about the journey, not just the destination.
So what what types SMART goals should we be setting, and more importantly, why?
Before we dig into the types of goals, let’s review what a SMART goal is anyway and why it acts as a key factor in the success of any goal-setting practice.
What Are SMART Goals?
SMART goals are an acronym used to describe the goal-setting practice where goals are specific, measurable, attainable (or achievable), realistic (or relevant), and time-sensitive. Broken down further, this means that every aspect of your goal should be within your control .. to a point.
Example:
Non-SMART Goal: To read more self-development books
SMART Goal: To finish one self-development book (Specific) by reading 20 minutes per day (Measurable, Achievable, Realistic ) for one month straight (Time-sensitive).
When you define the goal in this way you increase the likelyhood of achieving it - and can stay more motivated and on track when the goal post and task at hand is clear.
But sometimes setting SMART goals isn’t enough - it can be demotivating or unclear; that’s why we created SMART+++ Goals!
What Are SMART+++ Goals?
SMART+++ Goals are SMART goals with three added elements: Challenging, OKR style, and with room to fail.
Why Challenging Goals Matter:
Scientific studies have found you are 90% more likely to achieve your goals when they are slightly out of your comfort zone. So setting a goal that is short term, that involves a little bit of a sprint will keep you more engaged, motivated and on track!
Why OKR Style Goals Matter
OKR is an acronym for Objective, Key Result, often used in corporate goal setting when teams don’t have control over outcomes (think marketing or sales). OKR-style goals give the power back to the goal-setter since their inputs (aka key results, KR) drive the outcome (aka objective, O).
An example of how an OKR style goal could be used in personal goal setting would be if you want to lose weight. Making the number of pounds you will lose your goal isn’t motivating or fair because it is outside of your control - however, you could control how often you exercised, how many calories you ate, or if you attended a specific number of fitness classes.
So instead of saying I want to lose 15 pounds in 3 months, you might break it down into several different KR goals that support the O.
Example:
Objective: Lose 15 pounds in 3 months
Key Results: Attend 100 fitness classes, get a personal trainer, eat 1500 calories per day, etc. x
Why Having Room To Fail Matters
Setting goals are linked with higher motivation, self-esteem, self-confidence, and autonomy (Locke & Latham, 2006). But if you “fail” right out of the gate, your self-confidence and motivation can plummet. That’s why it’s so important to set goals with room to fail.
Setting goals with room to fail means moving away from goals that involve you showing up every single day consistently for long periods of time - and instead give you wiggle room to make up for goals you missed when you are having a bad day - after all, we’re only human.
Example:
A goal that doesn’t allow you to fail: Meditate 15 minutes every day for 30 days
A goal that does allow you to fail: Meditate for 450 minutes in the next month.
It’s the same number of minutes, but if you get busy one day - you have the option to push yourself the next day and make up for it.
Now let’s get to the meat of it - now that you know how to set SMART+++ Goals, what goals should you set?
What Are The 8 Type of SMART Goals You Should Set?
The eight types of smart goals you should set are balanced goals in the eight pillars of wellness: Health, mindset, spiritual, occupational, financial, experiential, habitual, and social goals. Setting goals in these eight key areas provides a holistic way to increase motivation, happiness, fulfillment, and likelihood of success!
In this article, we break down each of these pillars, why they are important and some ideas for goals you might set in each one!
1. Mindset Goals
Mindset goals are aimed at enhancing your inner balance and tranquillity. Practices such as meditation, journaling, or engaging with stoic philosophy can help foster a more positive and grounded mindset. Setting goals to incorporate these practices into your daily routine can cultivate resilience, reduce stress, and increase overall well-being.
Ideas for Mindset Goals
500 Mindful minutes
Journal 300 times
Take a meditation class
Get a counselor or coach
2. Spirit and Soul Goals
Spiritual or soulful goals connect you with a deeper purpose and sense of fulfillment. Whether it's volunteering, pursuing creative endeavors, or engaging in activities that nourish your soul, these goals enrich your life with meaning. By prioritizing activities that align with your values and passions, you can experience greater fulfillment and satisfaction in life.
Ideas for Spirit & Soul Goals
Volunteer 50X This year
Mentor 1 peer
Write a song
3. Experiential Goals
Stepping out of your comfort zone through experiential goals can lead to personal growth and a greater sense of aliveness. Trying new things, exploring new hobbies, or embarking on adventures all contribute to a more vibrant life. By challenging yourself to expand your horizons and embrace new experiences, you can cultivate courage, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for life's possibilities.
Ideas for Experiential Goals
Try a dance class
Travel to a new country
Explore a new neighborhood
Take lessons in something new
4. Habitual Goals
The most commonly thought of goals, habitual goals, are crucial for building healthy habits over time. Setting habitual goals helps cultivate routines that promote physical, mental, and emotional health, leading to long-term benefits. Whether it's committing to regular exercise, practicing mindfulness, or prioritizing self-care, these goals empower you to live a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Ideas for Habitual Goals
Spend 100 minutes in nature each week
Read 300 pages of a book this month
Drink 4L of water each day
5. Financial Goals
Financial goals extend beyond mere savings; they encompass fostering a healthy relationship with money and securing your financial future. Whether it's investing, saving, or seeking financial advice, these goals empower you to take control of your finances. By setting clear financial goals and developing sound money management habits, you can achieve greater financial security and peace of mind.
Ideas for Financial Goals
Save X this year
Hire a financial planner
Sign up for a Quest Trade account
6. Health Goals
Prioritizing health goals is essential for overall well-being. Whether it's committing to regular exercise, following a balanced diet, or prioritizing mental health, these goals ensure that you're investing in your most valuable asset—your health. By setting achievable health goals and making conscious choices to support your well-being, you can enjoy improved energy levels, increased vitality, and a greater overall sense of wellness.
Ideas for Health Goals
Go to the gym 50 times this year
Join a running group
Hire a personal trainer
Eat no more than 10 grams of sugar each day
7. Social Goals
Nurturing social connections and fostering a sense of community contribute significantly to happiness and longevity. Setting social goals, such as organizing gatherings, learning people's names, or joining networking groups, strengthens your social bonds and enhances your well-being. By prioritizing meaningful connections and investing in relationships, you can experience greater happiness, fulfillment, and a sense of belonging.
Ideas for Social Goals
Set up 7 dinner parties this year
Visit a parent X times per week
Learn the barista’s names at the local coffee shop
8. Occupational Goals
Occupational goals encompass both career advancement and personal fulfillment in your life's work. Whether it's pursuing professional development opportunities, pursuing creative endeavors, or advocating for your career advancement, setting occupational goals empowers you to thrive in your chosen field. By setting clear objectives and taking proactive steps to achieve your career aspirations, you can experience greater satisfaction, fulfillment, and success in your professional life.
Ideas for Occupational Goals
Take a class on X
Hire a business coach
Make X cold calls
The Power Of SMART Goals + The 8 Pillars Of Wellness
Incorporating SMART goals aligned with the eight pillars of wellness can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life. By nurturing various aspects of your well-being, you can achieve greater happiness, resilience, and overall satisfaction.
If you're interested in learning more about leveraging these goals for personal growth and fulfillment, consider exploring resources such as goal-setting workshops or tools like the Triple G Goal Setting App, an app built with the 8 pillars in mind and created to help you succeed.
Remember, investing in yourself and your well-being is the first step toward living a truly enriching life.
