Why SMART Goals Aren't Enough: A Gentle Guide to Achieving Your Dreams
Updated: Sep 8
Coaching a new client in the United States last week reminded me that the best coaching conversations often happen after the goal has been written.
We're developing a clear SMART goal, and I'm asking her to reflect deeply on what could get in the way.
We've all heard about SMART goals:
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Time-bound
They're a fantastic framework for turning ideas into action, and I regularly use them with my coaching clients. However, I've realised something important over the years, creating a SMART goal isn't usually the hard part.
If success was simply about following a checklist of action steps, we'd all be rich, skinny, and living our dream life and career. The reality is that achieving meaningful goals is rarely a straight line.
Challenge Your SMART Goal
Once you've created your SMART goal, I encourage you to challenge it. Ask yourself:
What obstacles could get in the way?
What might derail my progress?
What unexpected events could happen?
This isn't about being negative or expecting failure, it's about being prepared. Life happens. Work becomes busy, kids get sick, or I might face challenges myself! Unexpected setbacks are part of every journey. Instead of hoping none of these things happen, take the time to workshop them before they arise.
For every challenge you identify, ask yourself"If this happens, what will I do?"
Create your Plan B before you need it.
Be Your Own Google Maps
I often think about goals like using Google Maps.
You enter your destination and start driving. Halfway there, there's an accident on the M1 (Gold Coast main motorway). Does Google Maps tell you to give up and go home?
Nope! It recalculates and finds another route. It might be longer and take a few back streets, but it still gets you to your destination.
Our goals should work exactly the same way. When life throws up roadblocks, we don't abandon the destination; we simply find another route.
Having alternative pathways already mapped out makes it much easier to keep moving forward instead of feeling stuck.
Who's in Your Support Team?
Who can support you in achieving this goal? You may already be working with a coach, which is fantastic.
But who else is in your corner? Perhaps it's:
A friend
A family member
A trusted colleague
A mentor
A study buddy
A peer who understands the same journey
Support doesn't always have to come from people you already know. Sometimes, reaching a goal requires building new connections.
If you're changing careers, perhaps it's joining an industry networking group. If you're studying, maybe it's getting to know your classmates. If you're building a business, consider joining a community of like-minded business owners.
The right people can provide encouragement, accountability, and remind you why you started when your motivation starts to fade.
How Motivated Are You ........... Really? (say it like Kevin Hart!)
This is one of my favourite coaching questions because it often catches people off guard.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how motivated are you to achieve this goal? Be honest with yourself.
Sometimes we set goals because we think we should, not because we genuinely want to. If you score your motivation below a 6, it might be worth asking yourself:
"Is this actually my goal, or am I pursuing someone else's expectation?"
If you score yourself a 7, don't stop there. Instead, ask:
"What would need to happen for this to become an 8?"
Perhaps you need more confidence. Maybe you need greater clarity, more support, additional resources, or simply to believe that the goal is possible.
Exploring what would increase your motivation often reveals the real work that needs to happen.
Think back to the Google Maps analogy. Imagine you're driving to your destination, and Google recalculates your route because of an accident ahead. The new route adds another 30 minutes to your journey.
Would you keep driving? It depends on how much you want to get there.
If your destination was simply to grab Dubai pistachio ice cream, and your motivation was only a 3, you'd probably decide it wasn't worth the extra drive.
But if you were on your way to see your favourite band perform live, and your motivation was a 9, chances are you'd happily take the detour.
The destination hasn't changed; only the path has.
The same is true for your goals. The stronger your motivation, the more willing you'll be to navigate the unexpected detours that inevitably arise along the way.
Goals Are More Than an Action Plan
SMART goals are an excellent starting point, but sustainable success comes from thinking beyond the action steps.
Plan for obstacles.
Create alternative routes.
Build a support network.
Check in with your motivation.
Success isn't about never facing roadblocks, it's about knowing how you'll respond when they appear. Just like Google Maps, you don't have to give up when the road changes.
You simply recalculate and keep moving toward the destination.
The Importance of Self-Compassion
As we navigate our goals, it's essential to practice self-compassion. We often push ourselves too hard, expecting perfection.
But remember, it's okay to stumble. Each setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Embrace your journey, with all its ups and downs.
Reflect on your experiences and acknowledge your efforts. Celebrate small victories along the way.
This gentle approach not only nurtures your ambition but also fosters a healthier relationship with your goals.
Ready to Create a Career Goal That Actually Works for You?
Setting a goal is the easy part.
Creating a pathway that works with your life, values, energy, and circumstances is where the real transformation happens.
As a Career & Wellbeing Strategist, I help female professionals move beyond feeling stuck or overwhelmed by gaining clarity on what they truly want. Together, we identify the barriers standing in their way and create a realistic plan to move forward.
If you're ready to stop second-guessing your next career move and create a career direction that supports both your ambition and your wellbeing, book your Career Clarity Call today.
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