The research reports that the topic of the goal is more important than we have realized. The goals you list may be quantifiable, but they tend to reinforce external and materialistic values that undermine the satisfaction of basic psychological needs that lead to positive–and sustainable–energy, vitality, and sense of well-being.

SMARTer (Specific and measureable, Motivating (optimally motivating), Attainable, Relevant, and Timebound) goals might be:

To encourage autonomy: I will submit a proposal to the merchandising leadership team recommending how to restructure the merchandising meetings format by October of 2013. (This is a paraphrase of a real goal set by a junior merchandiser for a major retailer because their merchandising meetings made junior members scared to death of speaking up–and as a result they felt victimized in the meetings The result? A new and much more effective way of running their meetings. Instead of complaining or losing the opportunity to contribute, she set a goal, achieved it, and had an extraordinary sense of taking control of her work environment. Even if her proposal had been turned down, she would have had a greater sense of autonomy because of her effort.)

To encourage relatedness: I will write two thank you notes per month over the next year to sincerely and genuinely express my gratitude to those who furthered my personal and professional growth.

To encourage competence: I will read and notate 5 academic journal articles I have identified as critical to my research by July 31, 2013 in preparation for writing my book on motivation.

While setting SMART goals is important, I would love for us to consider that paying attention to the TOPIC AND CONTENT of the goals is just as, or more, important.

Thank you for responding to my blog. I welcome your thoughts!
With gratitude,
Susan Fowler

I think the best goals in life are tangible goals, such as:

– I want to make X amount of money next year
– I want to have X number of twitter followers
– I want to lose X weight

Untangible goals such as I want to be a better man or the likes are far fetched. That’s why probably it’s better to dissect untangible goals into tangible ones.