SMART-Plus Goals Defined & How to Implement them for Financial Abundance

Are you tired of setting goals that leave you feeling accomplished on paper but empty in real life? It’s time to upgrade your goal-setting strategy with SMART-Plus goals. This innovative approach takes the tried-and-true SMART framework and adds a crucial element: alignment with your vision a financially abundant and fulfilling life (what I like to call “your ideal life vision”). Let’s dive into how SMART-Plus goals can transform your personal and professional life.

Understanding SMART Goals

Before we explore the “Plus” aspect, let’s refresh our understanding of SMART goals:

1. Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve.
2. Measurable: Establish concrete criteria to track your progress.
3. Achievable: Set goals that challenge you but remain within reach.
4. Relevant: Ensure your goals align with your broader objectives.
5. Time-bound: Set a deadline to create urgency and focus.

SMART goals have helped countless individuals and organizations achieve success. However, in our fast-paced, interconnected world, we need to take goal-setting a step further.

Introducing the “Plus” in SMART-Plus

The “Plus” in SMART-Plus represents alignment with your personal vision of financial abundance and a fulfilling life (your ideal life vision). This additional criterion ensures that your goals don’t just look good on paper but actually enhance your overall quality of life. Here’s why this matters:

1. Holistic Success: True success encompasses more than just professional achievements.
2. Sustainable Progress: Goals that align with your life vision are more likely to stick.
3. Increased Motivation: When goals resonate with your values, you’re more driven to achieve them.
4. Reduced Burnout: Balancing professional and personal aspirations helps prevent exhaustion.

How to Create SMART-Plus Goals

Now, let’s walk through the process of setting SMART-Plus goals:

1. Start with Your Vision: Before diving into specific goals, take time to articulate your ideal life. What does a fulfilling life look like to you? Consider aspects like:

• Career satisfaction
• Family time
• Personal hobbies and interests
• Health and wellness
• Community involvement
• Financial Independence

Write down this vision as a reference point for your goal-setting process.

2. Apply the SMART Criteria: With your vision in mind, start crafting goals using the SMART framework:

• Specific: Instead of “save money,” try “save $20,000 for a down payment on a house.”
• Measurable: Establish clear metrics, like saving $1,667 per month.
• Achievable: Ensure the goal stretches you but remains realistic given your income and expenses.
• Relevant: Confirm that homeownership aligns with your broader life goals.
• Time-bound: Set a deadline, such as “within 12 months.”
• Incorporate it into your Values-Based Budget.

3. Add the “Plus” Now: Evaluate how this goal aligns with your ideal life vision. Ask yourself:

• Will pursuing this goal enhance or detract from my overall life satisfaction?
• Does it allow time for other important aspects of my life?
• How will achieving this goal impact my stress levels and well-being?

If the goal conflicts with your vision, consider adjusting it. For instance, you might extend the timeline to reduce financial pressure or explore alternative paths to homeownership that better align with your lifestyle.

4. Refine and Balance: Look at your goals holistically. Do they collectively support your ideal life vision? You might need to:

• Prioritize goals that have the most significant positive impact on your life
• Eliminate or postpone goals that could lead to burnout
• Add goals specifically focused on personal well-being or relationships

5. Create an Action Plan: Break down each SMART-Plus goal into smaller, manageable tasks. This step-by-step approach helps you maintain momentum and track progress without feeling overwhelmed.
6. Regular Review and Adjustment: Set up periodic check-ins to assess your progress and the impact of pursuing these goals on your overall life satisfaction. Don’t hesitate to adjust your goals as your circumstances or priorities evolve.

Examples of These Goals in Action

Let’s look at a few examples to illustrate how SMART-Plus goals differ from traditional goals:

Traditional Goal: “Get a promotion at work” SMART-Plus Goal: “Secure a senior analyst position within 18 months by taking on two high-visibility projects and completing a relevant certification, while maintaining a maximum 45-hour work week to ensure quality family time.”

Traditional Goal: “Exercise more” SMART-Plus Goal: “Improve cardiovascular health by jogging for 30 minutes, three times a week, during my lunch break, to boost energy for both work and family activities. Achieve this consistently for six months.”

Traditional Goal: “Start a side business” SMART-Plus Goal: “Launch a weekend photography business within six months, dedicating 10 hours per week to skill development and marketing, while ensuring it doesn’t interfere with my full-time job or reduce family time below 20 hours per week.”

Overcoming Challenges

As you embrace SMART-Plus goals, you might encounter some challenges:

1. Balancing Ambition and Well-being: It’s tempting to set overly ambitious goals. Remember, the “Plus” is about sustainable progress, not burnout.
2. Dealing with Conflicting Goals: When goals seem to clash, prioritize based on your core values and long-term vision.
3. Adapting to Change: Life is unpredictable. Be prepared to adjust your goals as circumstances shift.

The Power of SMART-Plus Goals

By incorporating the “Plus” into your goal-setting process, you’re not just aiming for isolated achievements. You’re crafting a roadmap to a more balanced, fulfilling life. SMART-Plus goals empower you to:

• Achieve professional success without sacrificing personal well-being
• Create meaningful progress in all areas of your life
• Maintain motivation through alignment with your core values
• Build resilience against burnout and disillusionment

Remember, the journey towards your goals is just as important as reaching them. With SMART-Plus goals, you ensure that the path you’re on is one you’ll enjoy walking.

Are you ready to revolutionize your approach to goal setting? Start by defining your ideal life, then craft your SMART-Plus goals. You might be surprised at how this small shift in perspective can lead to significant improvements in both your professional success and personal satisfaction.

Share your ideal life visions in the comments below!