SMART vs HARD Goals: Which is the better framework for you?
Did you know that people who write down their goals are up to 42% more likely to achieve them?
When you think about it that is a crazy statistic.
Just think about it: If you take some time, sit down, and write down what you want to achieve and have in your life, then you increase your chances by almost 50%.
There are many different beliefs, strategies, and techniques regarding goal setting. Everyone has a different opinion on how to do it, which can be overwhelming.
Understanding SMART Goals: The Classic Approach
The SMART goal-setting process is a framework that is widely used because of its effectiveness and simplicity. I am sure most of you have heared it before.
The origin of this method goes back to a paper published in 1981 by George T. Doran. The fact that it is still around means the concept has shown its utility in the past 40 years.
So, how can you use the SMART goal-setting process? Let me break it down for you; SMART is an acronym and stands for five rules that you should always keep in mind when you set any goal:
Any goal you set should be…
S – Specific: You want your goals to be as specific as possible. The more specific you get, the easier it will be to track your progress and reward yourself along the way. So, instead of just getting in shape, you may want to write, losing X pounds of fat or gaining X pounds of muscle.
M – Measurable: Building on the same principle as to be specific, a goal should be objectively measurable. Your goal might be highly specific, but if you can not measure the progress, that does not help you, but if your goal is specific and measurable, then you know exactly if you’re on track or not.
A – Achievable: A SMART goal is not a dream; it is within reach for you to achieve it if you adopt the right strategies and make the right choices. Keep in mind that you can always update your goal once you progress.
R – Relevant: If you do not really care about your goal, chances are low that you will achieve it. If you care, however, it can activate strong emotions that make you try your best.
T – Time-bound: Give yourself a deadline. I, for example, told myself that by the end of 2023, I would have my own business, and so I did. You want to create some form of urgency.
Now, I’ll be honest: implementing SMART goals isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. It is not the most fun way to develop your goals.
It is a scientifically proven method that will drastically increase your chances of success.
I use the SMART framework all the time. It helps me write smart goals that I can achieve.
Don’t you want the same? Then, give it a try.
H2: Exploring HARD Goals: The Challenger Framework
I have just recently learned about the HARD framework. While the SMART framework, to me, has become the natural way to set goals. The HARD framework takes us outside of our comfort zone and promotes a new revolutionary way of thinking about goals.
So, what does HARD stand for?
H – Heartfelt: Your goal should resonate deeply with your personal values and aspirations. It’s not just about what you think you should do, but what truly matters to you on an emotional level. For example, instead of just aiming to “get a promotion,” your goal might be to “lead a team that makes a significant impact on our company’s sustainability efforts.”
A – Animated: You should be able to vividly picture your goal as if it’s already achieved. This visualization creates a powerful mental image that motivates you and helps you stay focused. Imagine yourself not just “running a marathon,” but crossing the finish line with your arms raised, surrounded by cheering friends and family.
R – Required: Your goal should feel necessary and compelling, not just a nice-to-have. It should be something you feel driven to accomplish, almost as if you have no choice but to pursue it to get your desired outcome.
D – Difficult: A HARD goal pushes you out of your comfort zone and challenges you to grow. It should be something that stretches your abilities and requires you to level up. A good measure is that it requires you to at least improve your current standard by 20%. For example, increase sales by 25% in the next quarter.
HARD goals are designed to push you beyond what you think is possible. They tap into your passion, leverage vivid imagination, feel critically important, and require significant effort and growth to achieve. While they may seem daunting at first, HARD goals can unlock extraordinary levels of motivation and achievement.
To me the advantage of setting goals the HARD way is that you tap more into emotions. The vivid imagination of goal that you need the fulfill and that means a lot to you can create stong emotions and a drive that gives you all the motivation needed to push through the difficult challenges.
HARD goals require you to really think about what you want. Your goals can’t just be something you vaguely desire. It has to meet all the criteria. When I set a HARD goal, I get more clarity on what is important to me.
One of the coolest things about HARD goals is how they encourage you to think outside the box. When you’re aiming for something truly challenging, you can’t rely on the same old strategies. You gotta get creative!
Remember, the goal-setting process is personal. What works for me might not work for you. But I can tell you this – since embracing HARD goals, I’ve felt like I am on a new level of goal achievement.
H2: Key Differences Between SMART and HARD Goals
I have been setting goals for a long time and both the SMART and HARD frameworks are some of the most useful and impactful that I have learned and used over the years.
Whichever you choose, you will be much better off than just scribbling your New Year wishes on a little paper and throwing it into the fire, hoping it will turn into reality.
First off, let’s talk about the emotional factor. This is where HARD goals really shine. I always try to formulate my goals so that they evoke as many emotions as I can. The emotional attachment is what really starts to matter when the way to your starts to goal gets hard.
While HARD goals clearly go emotionally deeper, SMART goals have heart, too. It requires you to set relevant goals, which, by definition, also evoke emotions.
The key difference I see here is that while HARD doesn’t just evoke emotions, by animating them, we actively try to make them more intense.
Where HARD goals shine with emotions, SMART goals excel in clarity and structure. This framework promotes a way of thinking that allows you to construct a robust roadmap for achievement.
You will always know where you are on your way to achieve a goal. This enables you to readjust all the time if you realize that you are, of course. If you stay flexible in your approach, then you should consistently find a way to achieve your goals by the set deadline.
For example, if you use the SMART framework to “write a 50,000-word novel in 3 months,” You would know weekly word count targets and a clear endpoint. That’s great for measuring your progress. If you do not hit your target in one week, you know that you have to write more on the next one.
HARD goals, however, are more about the big picture. They’re less concerned with the details and more focused on the overall impact. A HARD goal would be more like”write a novel that changes how people think about climate change” and wouldn’t come with a built-in word count or deadline. Instead, it would keep the focus on the broader vision and impact.
In the end, both SMART and HARD goals have their place in your goal-setting toolkit. SMART goals are fantastic for clear, structured objectives where you need to see steady progress. HARD goals are your go-to when you want to tap into your passion, push your limits, and achieve something truly extraordinary.
When to Use SMART Goals
Both frameworks have advantages and disadvantages, which make either one more suited for specific types of goals. Let’s explore some scenarios where it does make more sense to use SMART goals.
Goals with a deadline
SMART goals are like that reliable friend who always shows up on time. They shine brightest when dealing with projects with clear endpoints and outcomes.
Whenever you have a deadline, you are probably better off with SMART goals, as the framework ensures you get it all done in time.
For example, if you want to be jacked for summer and you only have 4 months left, using the SMART framework is probably the better choice.
Goals that require team collaboration
SMART goals provide a shared language and a clear destination for everyone to work towards. This is crucial when you are working in a team and it is important that you all work together.
A clear, measurable goal with a clearly defined outcome allows the team to create a common strategy where everyone knows what to do. Additionally, it makes team meetings much simpler and more productive.
The beauty of SMART goals in team settings is that they leave little room for misinterpretation. Everyone knows what success looks like and can align their efforts accordingly. As each member knows his role, tasks, and deadline.
Academic achievements
When it comes to academic achievement, SMART goals can be a real game-changer.
In school setting clear, measurable objectives just makes sense. Instead of a vague “I want to do better in school,” a SMART goal might look like this: “Improve my overall GPA from 3.2 to 3.5 this semester by attending all classes, completing all assignments on time, and studying for at least 2 hours each day.”
This approach gives students a concrete target and a roadmap to follow. It breaks down the daunting task of “doing better” into specific, actionable steps. Plus, the measurable aspect allows students to track progress and adjust their strategies if needed.
Financial planning
The nature of finance makes it perfectly suited for the SMART framework. Finance is always very specific, measurable, achievable, and relevant.
The problem most have is that they do not set any deadline for their financial dreams. However, if you do then you already have a SMART goal which makes a lot of sense.
Imagine if you say that in the next 20 years, you want to accumulate 2 million dollars of savings. Then, you can calculate exactly how much you have to set aside and invest every month and how much risk you have to be taking to achieve that dream.
In finance, emotions only are not enough. You need a plan with a deadline, or you will never be financially free.
Potential limitations of SMART goals
Now, I wouldn’t be giving you the full picture if I didn’t mention some of the potential pitfalls of SMART goals. They’re great, but they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution.
One limitation I’ve encountered is that SMART goals can sometimes lead to tunnel vision. When you’re so focused on hitting specific metrics, you might miss out on unexpected opportunities or creative solutions that fall outside your defined goal.
I’ve also seen SMART goals struggle in rapidly changing environments. If your industry is prone to sudden shifts, you might find yourself constantly revising your SMART goals, which can be frustrating and time-consuming.
Another potential downside is that SMART goals don’t always capture the qualitative aspects of success. They’re great for numbers and deadlines, but you might just miss the emotional reward you were after because you were too focused on numbers.
Despite these limitations, SMART goals remain an incredibly powerful tool in many situations. The key is to use them wisely, in conjunction with other goal-setting and strategic planning methods.
The best goal-setting framework is the one that works for you and your team. So don’t be afraid to experiment, mix and match, and find the approach that helps you achieve your best performance.
When HARD Goals Shine
Ok, now let’s discuss specific cases where it makes more sense to use the HARD framework.
Obviously, we use it when our goals require passion and emotional investment.
HARD goals are that friend who always pushes you to chase your dreams. They shine brightest when dealing with objectives that require deep personal commitment and emotional investment.
For example, if you want to make a significant career change or start a business that aligns with your values, the HARD framework might be the better choice.
Goals that inspire creativity and innovation
HARD goals provide a vision that can inspire creative thinking and innovative solutions. This is crucial when working on projects requiring thinking outside the box or disrupting the status quo.
A bold, emotionally charged goal allows individuals or teams to dream big and explore unconventional approaches. Additionally, it can spark passion and enthusiasm that drive people to go above and beyond.
The beauty of HARD goals in creative settings is that they encourage risk-taking and novel thinking. Everyone is inspired to contribute imaginative ideas to achieve something truly remarkable.
Personal growth and transformation
When it comes to personal development and transformation, HARD goals can be incredibly powerful.
In areas of life where you’re seeking significant change, a HARD goal pushes us to go big.
This approach gives individuals a compelling vision to work towards. It taps into their deepest motivations and encourages them to stretch beyond their current capabilities. The animated aspect of HARD goals tells individuals to vividly imagine their success, which leads to even more motivation.
Entrepreneurship and startups
The nature of early entrepreneurship makes it well-suited for the HARD framework. Starting and growing a business often requires a blend of passion, vision, necessity, and willingness to tackle difficult challenges.
Imagine if you set a HARD goal to “revolutionize the education industry by creating a platform that makes high-quality learning accessible to everyone, everywhere.” This goal sets the foundation for an outstanding business.
In entrepreneurship, emotion, and vision are often as important as concrete metrics.
For my business, I do not yet have clear goals and metrics that I want to reach. What I have is a compelling vision that gets me out of bed and on my computer to work for hours every single day.
Potential limitations of HARD goals
While HARD goals can be incredibly motivating, they’re not without their challenges. It’s important to be aware of their potential limitations.
One challenge with HARD goals is that they can sometimes feel overwhelming. When you’re aiming for something so big and audacious, it can be difficult to know where to start or how to measure progress.
Another potential downside is that HARD goals might not always align well with short-term, practical needs. While you’re chasing your big vision, it’s important not to neglect the day-to-day tasks that keep things running.
Lastly, sometimes, when you are looking for a very specific outcome, you might not want to go with a HARD goal. You might move in the right direction but just miss your target by some inches because you are only looking at the big picture.
Despite these limitations, HARD goals remain an incredibly powerful tool for driving significant change and achievement. The key is to use them wisely, often in combination with more concrete planning methods.
Combining SMART and HARD Goals for Maximum Impact
We have seen that both frameworks can be extremely powerful and effective methods of setting goals. Both frameworks have advantages and disadvantages, and as we have seen, sometimes one makes more sense than the other.
However, there are also cases where it makes a lot of sense to use them both in combination to get a difficult, successful outcome by a deadline and be powered by strong emotions.
Strategies for integrating both frameworks
The key to integrating SMART and HARD goals is to use each framework’s strengths to complement the other’s weaknesses. Here’s how this can work.
Start with the HARD goal: Begin by setting a big, motivating HARD goal that really gets you going.
Break it down SMART-style: Take that HARD goal and break it into smaller, SMART objectives. These become your stepping stones. It could very well be the case that you need more than one SMART goal for one HARD vision.
Use HARD for motivation, SMART for execution: Let your HARD goal inspire you, while your SMART goals guide your daily actions.
Regular check-ins: Periodically revisit your HARD goal to reignite your passion, then adjust your SMART goals as needed.
This is what I do for all my goals. I have a big picture in mind. A vision of what I am going to achieve and who I am going to become in this area. I make it big and challenging.
Then, I break the vision down into into smaller goals according to the smart acronym. Like this I create actionable steps that will get me to my goals.
Balancing structure and emotional connection in goals
Finding the right balance between structure and emotion is crucial. Too much structure can kill motivation, while too much emotion can lead to a lack of direction. Here are some tips to achieve a good balance:
Use emotive language in your SMART goals. Instead of “Increase sales by 20%,” try “Delight 20% more customers with our amazing product.”
Add measurable elements to your HARD goals. If your HARD goal is to “become a world-class guitarist,” define what “world-class” means to you in measurable terms.
Create a visual representation of your SMART goals that connects to your HARD goal. This could be a vision board or a progress tracker that ties your daily actions to your big vision.
Celebrate SMART milestones in ways that reinforce your HARD goal. When you hit a SMART target, take a moment to visualize how it’s moving you closer to your big HARD goal.
Examples of successful SMART-HARD goal combinations
Here are a few examples of how those frameworks can work together in harmony.
Health and Fitness:
HARD goal: “Transform into the healthiest, most energetic version of myself.”
SMART goals: “Lose 20 pounds in 6 months,” “Run a 5K in under 30 minutes within 4 months,” “Meal prep every Sunday for 12 weeks straight.”
Career Advancement:
HARD goal: “Become a respected leader who inspires and empowers others in the company.”
SMART goals: “Complete a leadership training course within 3 months,” “Mentor 2 junior colleagues over the next 6 months,” “Lead a major project to successful completion by Q4.”
Business Growth:
HARD goal: “Grow the company and change how people think about sustainable living.”
SMART goals: “Launch 3 eco-friendly products in the next 12 months,” “Achieve carbon neutrality in operations within 2 years,” “Reach $1M in revenue from sustainable products by EOY.”
Personal Development:
HARD goal: “Become a lifelong learner who constantly grows and adapts.”
SMART goals: “Read 24 books in the next year,” “Attend 1 professional conference per quarter,” “Learn a new skill every month for the next 6 months.”
Remember, the magic happens when you find the right blend of inspiration and action. Your HARD goals should make that there is excitement and emotional drive, while your SMART goals should give you a clear roadmap to follow. Together, they’re an unstoppable force that can help you achieve things you never thought possible.
So go ahead, dream big with HARD goals, plan smart with SMART goals, and watch yourself soar to new heights!
H2: Implementing Your Chosen Goal-Setting Framework
Alright, goal-setters, you’ve picked your framework – now it’s time to put it into action! Whether you’re team SMART, team HARD, or a mix of both, let’s dive into how to make these goals work for you in the real world.
Steps to get started with SMART or HARD goals
Choose your goal(s): A common framework I used a lot is to divide my goals in four categories: Things I wanted to achieve, things I wanted to experience, things I wanted to own, and lastly relationships goals. Come up with some ideas for each category and then choose the most important ones.
Write it down: There’s power in putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). Make your goal concrete by writing it out in detail.
Break it down: Identify the key steps or milestones you’ll need to hit along the way. For SMART goals, these might be specific targets. For HARD goals, think about the major phases of your journey.
Create an action plan: Develop a detailed plan of what you need to do daily, weekly, or monthly to progress toward your goal.
Schedule it: What you schedule becomes real. Trust me, that’s what has held me back for many years. Take your calendar out and block out time dedicated to one goal.
Set up a tracking system: Decide how you’ll measure your progress. This is crucial for SMART goals but can be helpful for HARD goals too. Check-in on a regular basis and assess your progress.
Share your goal: Tell someone about your goal. This creates accountability and can provide support when you need it. Additionally, the more you talk about your goal, the more you will think about it subconsciously.
Overcoming common obstacles in goal achievement
Let’s face it, the road to achieving your goals isn’t always smooth. Over the years, I made many mistakes. Here are some common slipups and how you don’t have to make the same ones.
Overwhelm: Sometimes, you set a goal that seems too big to achieve. But if you break it down enough, you can achieve any goal. Chunk your goal down into smaller, manageable tasks. Focus on one step at a time.
Setbacks: Remember, progress isn’t always linear. Shit is going to go wrong; I can assure you that. Expect that; plan for that. It is key to stay flexible in your approach and never let your head down.
Lack of time: We all have 24 hours a day. Go through your goals and ask yourself which ones are the most important ones and how much time you need to invest. Then, set time aside for the main ones. Yes, this probably means you have to cut back somewhere. Sacrifice is needed.
Self-doubt: It is normal to sometimes stop believing in yourself. The key here is surrounding yourself with supportive people. Consider finding a mentor or coach who believes in your potential.
Losing focus: When you first set a goal you are motivated and inspired, it is easy. But what happens six months later? Are you still doing the work? Regular check-ins can help you remain focused. Maybe put a date into your calendar when you will revisit all your goals.
Conclusion:
And there you have it! The ultimate showdown between SMART and HARD goals.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving your dreams. Whether you’re team SMART, team HARD, or you prefer the hybrid approach, the key is to choose a framework that resonates with you and pushes you to be your best self.
I really encourage you to try out different ways to do it. After all, goal setting is a fun process. The hard work comes after 😉
Don’t be afraid of readjusting your goals a week later. I have done more goal setting processes than I can count and every time I got more clarity about my future. It is never a wasted process.
Whatever you choose to do, I wish you all the best for your future and I hope that you may achieve as many of your goals as you can. Just don’t forget to smile along the way. Embrace the challenges they make reaching your goal so much more rewarding.
