# SMART & GREAT Goal-Setting — Full Reference

## SMART Goals

**Criteria:**
- Specific — the more specific, the easier to achieve
- Measurable — include a measure so you know when you've achieved it and can track progress
- Actionable — within your direct control ("winning the lottery" is not actionable)
- Realistic — challenging enough to inspire, realistic enough to succeed
- Time-bound — has a deadline to aim toward

**Always state in the positive:** Focus on what you WANT, not what you want to stop.
- ✅ "I have healthy fingernails"
- ❌ "I want to stop biting my nails"

## SMART Goal Worksheet

1. **Write your goal** (positive, specific)
2. **Set deadline** (day/month/year)
3. **Motivation:**
   - WHY do you want this? What outcomes are you looking for?
   - List ALL benefits of achieving this goal
   - What is the BIGGEST benefit?
   - What is the PAIN of not achieving it?
   - What other areas will this help?
4. **Obstacles (Secondary Gain):**
   - What is the BENEFIT of NOT completing your goal? (Essential to answer)
   - Other obstacles to success?
5. **Goal Levels:**
   - MINIMUM level
   - TARGET level
   - EXTRAORDINARY level
6. **How will you be different?**
   - START doing...
   - STOP doing...
   - BE someone who is...
7. **Resources:**
   - Already available
   - Will need
8. **Actions:**
   - 3 steps this WEEK
   - 3 steps this MONTH (with deadlines)
9. **Envision:** Describe a day in your life once this goal is completed

## GREAT Goals

GREAT Goals add depth to SMART by focusing on alignment and obstacles.

**Focusing on the Outcome:**
- What do you really, REALLY want? Dig deep.
- What is the SPECIFIC outcome?
- What is the PAIN of NOT achieving?

**Aligning with Values:**
- In line with your life vision/overall plan?
- In line with your values? (What's REALLY important to you?)
- Is this YOUR goal or a SHOULD? (Tip: SHOULDs may be outdated or someone else's dream)
- Does it give you contentment, happiness, excitement? Good signs.
- If you could have it RIGHT NOW, would you take it? If not, why?
- How does it fit your life/lifestyle?

**Identifying Obstacles:**
- Can you start AND maintain the action?
- How will this change affect other aspects of your life?
- What's good about your CURRENT situation? How to keep those benefits while still changing?
- What might you have to give up? Are you willing to pay the price?
- If there was something important you haven't mentioned yet, what would it be?
- WHO will you have to BE?

**Goal Sizing:**
- MINIMUM / TARGET / EXTRAORDINARY
- Too big? Break down. Too small? Stretch.

**Resources:**
- Already have: things, support, contacts, qualities, knowledge, skills, money, time
- Need to get

**Remember:** Goals are there to INSPIRE you, not beat yourself up with!