Here Is Your Blueprint to Success!

S.M.A.R.T Goals and H.A.R.D Dreams: Your Blueprint to Success

Read time: 3 mins

Hey there fellow lost souls!

Do you feel lost and not know what to do with your life? Ever set a goal and felt like it vanished into thin air? And the day just drags by while you are actually bored out of your mind and wondering “Why am I doing this”? You’re definitely not alone. We’ve all been there.

But guess what? There’s a killer combo to help you define and conquer your goals like a champ — the S.M.A.R.T and H.A.R.D goal-setting power duo!

The S.M.A.R.T Way

S.M.A.R.T stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. It’s like your GPS for goals, making sure you’re on the right track. This approach creates a framework for you to work toward your goal-setting, and it is great for short-term goals like 3-months goal or 1-year goal (Yes, you read it right, 1-year goal is short-term in my book). Here’s how the S.M.A.R.T strategy works:

Specific — Think laser-focused! Instead of “I want to get fit,” say “I want to shed 10 pounds.” Get specific, and your goal becomes crystal clear.

Measurable — Think numbers! Goals should be quantifiable. Say, “I want to save $5,000 by December,” instead of a vague “I want to save more.”

Achievable — Challenge yourself but stay real. Dream big but make sure your goals are doable within your resources and constraints.

Relevant — Connect with your heart’s desires. Goals should be meaningful to you, aligning with your values and dreams. Ask yourself, “Why does this matter to me?”

Time-bound — Give your goal a deadline. It’s like adding rocket fuel to your motivation. “I’ll finish my novel by December 31st” is way more effective.

The H.A.R.D Approach

H.A.R.D stands for Heartfelt, Animated, Required, and Difficult. It’s where your goals get a dose of emotion and enthusiasm! This will become your vision. Do sit down and think thoroughly about your goal. As with any vision, it requires long-term planning and effort. Think 5 or 10 years from now, what is it that you want to do? Let’s break down the H.A.R.D strategy:

Heartfelt — Let your passions run wild. Goals should make your heart race with excitement. If it doesn’t light your fire, maybe it’s not the right goal.

Animated — Imagine your goal in high-definition. See the finish line, feel the journey, and bask in the emotions of success. Make it real in your mind.

Required — Dig deep into your “why.” Why is this goal a must for you? Understanding its importance strengthens your commitment.

Difficult — Challenge accepted! Goals should be demanding but not impossible. Find that sweet spot where growth meets motivation.

Mixing S.M.A.R.T with H.A.R.D

Here’s the magic trick: Start with S.M.A.R.T to build a solid goal structure. Then, infuse it with H.A.R.D to turbocharge the emotional connection.

For the past 3 months, I’ve been using the S.M.A.R.T approach to get started on my “business” of selling Notion templates. (Notion is a collaborative workspace that helps you organize your thoughts, ideas, and projects, etc. for who doesn’t know). Every month, I set out goal of how many sales per month I need to make. And I’m proud to say, I have over 200 sales now. Shameless plug: check out my templates on Gumroad, most of them are free!

Now, I’m adopting the H.A.R.D strategy for my long-run. I want to become a solopreneur. Selling Notion templates is the starting point. The ultimate goal is to have control of my own time. This is H.A.R.D (pun intended) because there are many more things involved, such as marketing, branding and scaling, plus lots of things that I need to learn and apply. Once again, I am not from a business background, but a biology background.

Goal setting isn’t static; it’s a dynamic journey. As you evolve, so do your goals. Be open to revisiting and tweaking them along the way.

With S.M.A.R.T and H.A.R.D as your trusty sidekicks, you’re now armed and ready to define goals that are not just clear but also seriously inspiring. Whether it’s leveling up your personal growth or crushing career milestones, these strategies have your back.

Ready to take on the world? Define those goals, and let’s get you on the path to your most incredible achievements yet! 💥