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Originally Posted by Nelson  While I haven't read Steve saying that he doesn't like the SMART method for setting goals, I personally think it's not a very effective method. |
Steve spoke about the "S.M.A.R.T" goal setting concept in his article,
How to Set Goals You Will Actually Achieve:
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Steve Pavlina, 'How to Set Goals You Will Actually Achieve' I recommend you abandon the concept of SMART goals. SMART = specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic, time-bound (there are many variations on this too). This model sounds intelligent, but it’s based on an inaccurate understanding of time. Instead of thinking of your goals as time-bound projects, consider each goal in light of its effect on your present reality. |
I would recommend that article (the one I linked to above) to just about everyone - even if they aren't interested in goals. Steve describes a concept of goal setting that is almost so simplistic that it is often overlooked, and I definitely find that it works for me.
I'm personally not all that experienced with the various processes of goal setting, so I thought I'd provide you with links to some of Steve's articles that I've found helpful to me as a "newbie" goal-setter (all links open in a new window):
- How to Set Goals You Will Actually Achieve
A new way to look at goal setting and the notion of time - the same article I mentioned above
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- Goal Planning for Optimal Enjoyment
A seemingly unintuitive goal setting process that actually makes a lot of sense when you think about it
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- Dynamic Planning
A post Steve made in 2005 about an aspect of the Getting Things Done (GTD) system that he discarded - may be useful if you are getting started with GTD and would like to hear how Steve uses the system
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- Quarterly Planning Time & More on Planning
2 blog posts that Steve made in 2004 that may be helpful to you since planning is an intricate part of goal setting, in my opinion. Steve describes the benefits of planning, methods of planning, as well as how he does his planning and how he implements it into his overall system. I'm relatively sure Steve would have made some modifications to his planning methods since then but so long as you take his more recent posts into consideration, it serves as useful information none the less
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- Your Personal Accountability System
A post that Steve made in 2005 about a system he uses to keep him on track when it comes to his goals. I think it's a great idea and makes a lot of sense
Those are what I've found to be some of Steve's best articles/blog posts on goal setting and planning. Do remember, however, that there are many factors that influence goal setting and planning so if you are having difficulty setting goals I recommend you be open to the possibility of finding an issue in another area of your life (or, at least, an area that could use a little work) as the problem may very much be found upstream.
I find that all personal development related topics (goal setting, planning, spirituality, personal effectiveness, health, exercise & training, etc.) are all intrinsically related and if you have a conflict with just one area it can throw the others out of whack until you give the neglected area (or the area with the conflict) the attention it needs.