Rethinking Goal Setting: Introducing WISE Intentions
In the world of personal and professional development, goal setting is often hailed as the cornerstone of success. From corporate boardrooms to exercise plans, the SMART goal framework – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound – has long been the go-to method for charting a course towards desired outcomes. However, there is a more visionary and holistic approach to achieving your desires: WISE – Wonderful, Inspired, Simple & Evolving. Let’s explore why WISE might be smarter than SMART and the new approach you’ve been searching for.
Wonderful: While SMART goals focus primarily on measurability and attainability, WISE intentions prioritize the emotional connection to a future vision. A Wonderful goal is one that is a win/win for all involved, including humanity (See 4 WINS), igniting a sense of meaning and purpose. Instead of merely aiming for what seems feasible or practical, WISE intentions encourage you to dream big and pursue endeavors that fill you with joy and fulfillment or benefit others in a positive way. After all, what’s the point of achieving a goal if it doesn’t bring a sense of wonder, positive impact, satisfaction and delight?
Inspired: In contrast to the rigid structure of SMART goals, WISE Intentions are rooted in inspiration and creativity. An Inspired vision is one that lights you up to imagine and taps into your innate talents, values, and aspirations, allowing you to align your actions with your authentic self. This empowers you to explore uncharted territories, experiment with novel ideas, and unleash your full creative potential. By infusing your goals with a sense of inspiration and curiosity, you can transform everyday tasks into meaningful endeavors that propel you towards personal and professional growth.
Simple: While SMART goals emphasize specificity, WISE intentions aim for simplicity and clarity. A Simple one focuses on what is within your control and includes how you want to feel. A simple, WISE intention is not prescriptive, it allows for a broad range of acceptable solutions that align with your overall vision. By simplifying you can be open to a range of new possibilities, while eliminating outcomes that don’t align with your values.
Evolving: Unlike the fixed timelines of SMART goals, WISE intentions embrace the concept of evolution and adaptability. An Evolving goal is one that grows and evolves alongside you, responding to changing circumstances and insights along the way. Rather than setting rigid deadlines or rigid parameters, WISE intentions encourage you to embrace flexibility, reflection, iteration, and continuous improvement. By remaining open to new possibilities and embracing the journey of discovery, you can navigate obstacles with resilience and emerge stronger and more empowered than ever before.
Examples of WISE intentions:
I’d like to wake up loving my body and treating it well with good food, sleep and movement.
I want to provide such impactful service to my clients that their success is my best referral.
I want to feel safe and secure regardless of external circumstances.
In conclusion, while SMART goals have long been hailed as the gold standard of goal setting, they are limited to linear problems and may not provide the holistic and flexible framework needed to navigate complex human emotions and behaviors to achieve true fulfillment. By adopting the WISE approach – Wonderful, Inspired, Simple & Evolving – you can infuse your vision with passion, creativity, clarity, and adaptability, paving the way for a journey that is as rewarding as it is transformative. So, dare to dream big, follow your heart, keep it simple, and embrace the beauty of evolution – with WISE Intentions, anything is possible.