SMART Goal Setting for Founders and Executives
The importance of SMART goal setting with an intention
Last month, I found solace on a small Indonesian island, offering an ideal environment to listen to my heart, focus on work, nurture creativity, teaching yoga, introspect, and take action. Sharing yoga and meditation, along with coaching people, has brought more awareness, and I am committed to helping others achieve the same. My goal is to elevate your consciousness, helping you discover your true selves, stay centered and focused.
Founders and executives, in this blog, I introduce a goal-setting method that applies to both your personal growth journey and your business endeavors. In my coaching sessions, I emphasize the importance of setting SMART goals — a strategy applicable to everyone, particularly those with ADHD. It’s crucial not to conflate ADHD with “popcorn brain” triggered by digital distractions, as highlighted by Leah’s article. Additionally, you can find valuable ways to unplug yourself in Cal Newport’s book, summarized here.
SMART goals entail:
- Specificity: Clearly define your goal, identifying sub-goals and strategies to overcome previous limitations.
- Measurability: Establish measurable metrics to track progress toward your goal.
- Achievability: Set competitive yet realistic goals, grounded in achievability.
- Relevance: Ensure your goal aligns with your overall objectives, avoiding unnecessary diversions.
- Time-bound: Set a deadline for achieving your goal to instill urgency and accountability.
Yet, having a SMART goal alone isn’t enough; it must be backed by genuine INTENTION. Before setting a goal, listen to your inner voice through meditation or introspection. If progress stalls despite SMART goal-setting, revisit your intention and ask yourself if you’re truly committed. If not, recalibrate and start anew. Time is a precious investment, so make it count with SMART goals aligned with your INTENTION.
In the startup world, CEOs often develop deep attachments to their products. Overall in my career, I’ve seen over 5000+ startups, and I haven’t seen any CEO not falling in love with the product. Yet, like personal growth, business evolution demands shedding obsolete patterns and rebuilding anew. Honesty and open-heartedness pave the path to meaningful results.
As Andrew Bennett wisely said:
“The longest journey you will ever take is 18 inches from your head to your heart.”
So, ask your heart: ‘What is alive in you today?’
