Ever have one of those moments when you realize that you've got things backwards?

I had this realization about goal-setting.

I used to think that if I set SMART goals (goals that are Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, and Time-bound), then I was golden…

This would practically guarantee my success, right?!

Wrong.

After multiple failed attempts at reaching my SMART goals, I realized that I had bigger issues going on. Issues that went much deeper than goal format.

You see, my problem was not coming up with a good plan. My problem was following through on that plan. And the biggest thing that always got in my way was... well, me.

Where SMART Goals Fall Short

While SMART goals are super-helpful with the strategy part of goal-setting, they don't address key mindset factors that can keep you from consistently taking action on that strategy.

Often, mindset is more important than strategy.

With the right mindset, you'll find a way to reach your goals, even if your strategy isn't perfect and you have to make some adjustments along the way.

On the other hand, it doesn't matter how perfect your plan is if you have psychological blocks that keep you from taking action toward your goals.

That's why I prefer the question word approach to goal-setting.

The “Question Word” Approach to Goal-Setting

With this approach, you simply recall the “question words” that you likely learned in elementary school:

Who, what, when, where, why, and how.

SMART goals only address three of these questions:

• WHAT (specifically) do you want to achieve?

• By WHEN (realistically)?

• HOW will you do it? (What actions will you take? How will you measure your progress?)

However, there are three more question words that are perhaps even more important when it comes to goal-setting. 

1. WHY

WHY do you want to achieve this?

Humans can do really difficult things when there's meaning and purpose behind it. If you don't have a strong why, it's going to be much more difficult to stick with your goal when things get hard.

An example (weight loss):

I want to lose the extra 20 pounds I’ve put on because I want to look more fit, feel more confident, have more energy, minimize my risk for chronic disease, and be a healthy role model for my kids.

2. WHO

WHO does this sort of thing?

What kind of character traits do they have? What character traits will you need to develop? Recall some examples from your life when you have exhibited those characteristics. What limiting beliefs and excuses will you need to get rid of in order to make this happen?

This is all about identity, and it's a huge factor when it comes to long-term success. If you don't see yourself as the kind of person who can accomplish the goal, your actions won't be consistent with what your brain knows to be true, and self-sabotage frequently happens as a result.

An example (strength training):

The kind of person who achieves this goal is intentional and disciplined. They don't always feel like “putting in the reps,” but they do it anyway. They don't make excuses. They are organized and strategic. They put systems in place to make workouts convenient and efficient. They keep a record of their workouts and weights to see their progress and stay motivated.

I need to be a person who is intentional, disciplined, organized, and strategic. No more excuses of not having the time. I can free up 15-20 minutes of my day to make this happen. I need to stop telling myself that I am disorganized and lack discipline. I am organized, disciplined, and strategic when it comes to my work. I simply need to transfer those skills to my physical health goals.

3. WHERE

WHERE does achievement of this goal ripple to?

What other areas of your life will be positively impacted? Who else benefits?

It’s important to remember that when you make a positive change in one area of your life, it creates a ripple effect, with other areas of your life positively impacted also.

Other people in your life will be positively impacted too. When you show up as the best version of yourself, everyone around you benefits. Who in your life needs you to show up differently?

An example (financial):

Once our debt is paid off (financial health), it will free up more cash flow each month. This will allow me to work fewer hours, feel less stressed (emotional health), have more time for exercise and healthy food prep (physical health), and spend more time with my family (healthy relationships). My entire family benefits when this goal is achieved.

Pulling It All Together

I recommend going through the six question words in the following order:

1. WHAT (specifically) do you want to achieve?

2. By WHEN (realistically)?

3. WHY is this important?

4. WHO does this sort of thing? (Who do you need to become?)

5. WHERE will it ripple? (What other areas and who else will benefit?)

6. HOW will you do it? (What actions will you take? How will you measure your progress?)

Write It Down!

Don’t forget to write your goals down. The act of writing your goals takes them from the intangible area of your mind into the tangible physical world.

This is an important first step because it involves physical action. Action, of course, is what separates the dreamers from the achievers. According to research by psychology professor Dr. Gail Matthews, writing a goal increased success rate by 42%! So please, do NOT skip this step.

Try It for Yourself!

Try this goal-setting approach, and let me know how it goes for you! Leave a comment below!

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This post was originally published on 12/7/21.