Going for your GOALS: make sure they are S.C.A.R.Y.!
Have you been thinking about your GOALS lately? Maybe you’ve already set some. Maybe you haven’t and you want to, or maybe you already feel behind.
You’ve probably heard of S.M.A.R.T. goals and might have tried to set one to fit that acronym. But perhaps you worked on it for a while, only to abandon ship and wind up feeling deflated. I’ve been there.
The problem isn’t that we aren’t goal-oriented. It’s not that we lack determination and work ethic. And it’s certainly not because we are lazy or unwilling to put in the effort.
The real issue? Process- and outcome-based S.M.A.R.T. goals don’t always lead to lasting change.
When your goals focus solely on the result, you end up splitting your choices into “good or bad,” which can leave you feeling anxious and overwhelmed.
To truly achieve something and make it stick, your goals need to be S.C.A.R.Y.
S: Stretches You and Scares You
Your goal should push you outside your comfort zone and feel a little intimidating. Growth happens when we challenge ourselves beyond what feels easy or comfortable.
C: Claim It
Tell the universe. Share your goal with your friends, family, or support network. Speaking your goal aloud makes it real and holds you accountable.
A: Alignment
Your goal should align with who you are, your values, and your purpose. It also needs to be attainable—challenging but realistic.
A goal should be bold and exciting, yet within the realm of possibility. For example, setting a goal to:
Fly without wings
Become a professional athlete overnight with no prior training
Master a complex skill in an unrealistic timeframe
These may sound ambitious, but they aren't truly attainable. That's where the next step comes in.
R: Resources
Ask yourself:
What do I need?
What do I already have?
What am I missing?
What do I need more of?
What can I leverage?
Where can I get what I need?
Who can help me acquire or build it?
Every goal requires resources, and gathering them might even become a goal itself. For example, if you aim to switch careers, you might first need to gain new skills or certifications—turning those into stepping stones toward your bigger goal.
Y: Your "Why"
S.M.A.R.T. goals often fail because they don’t connect with the deeper reason behind your goal. Why are you doing this? What drives you? Is it truly worth your time?
When you claim a S.C.A.R.Y. goal, it should make you say YES! and ignite a fire in your belly. Without that passion, it’s hard to stay motivated. Your "why" is what gets you out of bed every morning and keeps you pushing forward.
When you set S.C.A.R.Y. goals, you’re not just aiming for change—you’re creating lasting transformation. So, are you ready to get S.C.A.R.Y. with your goals?