<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, how can we go about answering the question that lies before us?
One of the best ways to start is by ensuring that your goal is SMART, that is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re able to answer each of the following questions in the affirmative, you\u2019ll know you\u2019ve set a goal that\u2019s SMART:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Returning to our example, let\u2019s say that one of the ways in which you\u2019d like to become more health conscious is \u201cto eat a healthier diet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Okay, so here\u2019s where things get interesting . . .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a professional coach, I\u2019ve done a lot of thinking about goals, both my own and those of my clients. And I\u2019ve come to the realization that, while SMART goals are good, SMARTER goals are better, and SMARTEST goals are the best goals of all!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to being SMART, SMARTER goals are also:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your goal is already SMART, and you\u2019re able to answer each of the following questions in the affirmative, you\u2019ll know you\u2019ve set a goal that\u2019s SMARTER:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, I know that at least some of you will find it hard to believe that anyone could get excited about eating a healthier diet by consuming three to five servings of fruits and vegetables each day, starting next week or on New Year\u2019s Day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But imagine, if you will, the following scenarios:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You get the picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As for Rewarding, perhaps you decide to reward yourself for maintaining your goal by purchasing a vegetarian cookbook, investing in some new cookware, or buying some canning jars, so you can enjoy your home-grown fruits and vegetables year-round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to being SMART and, like SMARTER goals, Energizing, SMARTEST goals are also:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your goal is already SMART and Energizing, and you\u2019re able to answer each of the following questions in the affirmative, you\u2019ll know you\u2019ve set a goal that\u2019s the SMARTEST of them all:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To clarify, whereas Rewards typically involve tangible objects that one receives from the outside world, Self-reinforcements typically involve intangibles, such as positive emotions, that are generated from within.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Going back to our example, if eating a healthier diet by consuming three to five servings of fruits and vegetables each day gave you such pleasure, in and of itself, that you’d continue engaging in this behavior even in the absence of any external rewards, then it would be Self-reinforcing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And what does Transformative look like? Let\u2019s say you\u2019ve been consuming three to five servings of fruits and vegetables each day and reaping the benefits of doing so.
You might start to wonder, \u201cWhat else might I want to do in the direction of eating a healthier diet?\u201d You might, for example, decide to eliminate foods containing refined sugar and\/or deep-fried foods from your diet. And as a result of eating a healthier diet, you might find yourself feeling more energetic and decide to increase your level of physical activity by walking for 30 minutes, five days per week. Then, you may find that, because you\u2019re more active during the day, you\u2019re sleeping more soundly at night. And because you\u2019re sleeping more soundly at night, you\u2019re in a better mood and have a more positive outlook on life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One day, while out walking, you cross paths with someone who hasn\u2019t seen you in a while, and he or she tells you that you look fantastic, which doesn\u2019t surprise you, because you feel<\/em> fantastic! Of course, you\u2019re still you–just a healthier, happier you–your best version<\/em> of yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What about you? Once you\u2019ve ensured that your goal is SMART, is there a way that you can make it Energizing and Rewarding? If your goal has a definitive endpoint, like running this or next year’s Boston Marathon, you needn\u2019t wait until you cross the finish line to reward yourself. Consider giving yourself small rewards for meeting important milestones along the way; doing so will help keep you motivated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maybe you\u2019re raising money for a good cause, as I did when I ran the Boston Marathon in 1996, and you feel so good about what you\u2019re doing that you don\u2019t find it necessary to reward yourself along the way; that\u2019s what Self-reinforcing looks like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As far as Transformative is concerned, allow yourself to imagine where achieving your goal might lead, above and beyond achieving the goal itself. Creating a positive vision for the future is quite powerful!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re like most people, setting goals that hold the promise of energizing, rewarding\u2014or, better yet, self-reinforcing\u2014and transforming you will elevate them to a whole new level, increasing your motivation and improving your chances of success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n