How to Set Clear Goals

22 Jan Shortcuts: How to Set Clear Goals

You’ve probably heard of SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely. However, other goal-setting acronyms may be even more helpful. Here are two to consider.

1. Be FAST rather than SMART

Some critics of SMART goals say that they focus too much on individual performance and don’t value ambition. MIT Sloan School of Management researchers argue instead for FAST goals, which are characterized by the following:

Frequent discussions in which teams meet regularly to discuss progress and course-correct if necessary.

Ambitious scope, with goals that are challenging but attainable.

Specific measurements, which allow goals to be easily tracked to gauge progress.

Transparency, which ensures that progress made toward reaching goals can be seen by all.

2. Create a PACT for success

PACT goals, a term coined by neuroscientist Anne-Laure Le Cunff, are more focused on the process of achieving a goal than on the end result. PACT goals are these:

Purposeful. By creating goals that are in line with your values, you’ll be more motivated to keep going.

Actionable. When setting goals, make sure they are objectives that you can take steps to complete, rather than grand plans that may depend on external forces.

Continuous. You should be able to move forward repeatedly until the task is complete.

Trackable. You should be able to see if you’re making progress.

Regardless of what acronym you choose, it’s always useful to take a fresh look at goal-setting. EW