iBecome Goals: A Mindful Alternative to SMART Goals for Personal and Professional Growth
For the longest time, I struggled with goals. I very much sat in the 'set and forget' camp. January would come around, and I’d put pen to fresh-new-notebook and start thinking about what I wanted to achieve for the year. Because that’s what you’re supposed to do, right? I’d break them down, make them SMART, and then… not much. After many failed attempts at actually bringing these goals to life, I knew something had to shift. And I knew what needed to change. SMART wasn’t working—not for me, at least. I needed an alternative.
In the world of goal-setting, the SMART model (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) has long been the gold standard. Developed in the early 1980s by George T. Doran to help organizations achieve business objectives more effectively, the SMART model provided a clear framework for setting and managing goals. While this approach has its merits, it dawned on me that this might not be the best way to inspire individuals into action. SMART often feels rigid and transactional, focusing heavily on external achievements rather than internal growth.
One day, I sat down and thought about what would truly motivate me and help me stay aligned with making progress on my goals. After some hours of furious scribbling, iBecome Goals was born. For those seeking a more holistic and transformative approach, iBecome Goals offer a refreshing alternative to SMART goals and provide a method for mindful goal setting.
Who Can Benefit from iBecome Goals?
The iBecome model is perfect for you if you:
Feel constrained or uninspired by traditional goal-setting methods.
Seek a deeper, more meaningful connection with your goals.
Are motivated by internal values and personal growth rather than external rewards.
Desire a flexible and adaptive approach that accommodates continuous growth.
Want to ensure your goals align with your broader values and impact on others.
Have struggled to get motivated enough to see your goals through.
Are interested in mindful goal setting as a way to achieve their aspirations.
Why iBecome Over SMART?
The iBecome model shifts the focus from what we are trying to achieve to who we want to be. This shift is crucial for those who find the SMART model limiting or uninspiring. Here are some key differences and advantages:
Holistic Focus: Unlike SMART goals, which often emphasise external achievements, iBecome goals focus on personal and professional growth and transformation. They are about becoming the best version of yourself rather than just ticking off tasks.
Flexibility: iBecome goals are not confined by rigid parameters. They allow for adaptability and change, accommodating the evolving nature of personal and professional aspirations.
Inspiration and Motivation: Instead of being purely outcome-driven, iBecome goals are designed to be inspiring and motivating. They tap into your passions and intrinsic motivations, making the journey toward achieving them more fulfilling. Not just the destination.
Mindfulness and Reflection: iBecome goals require a deep level of self-reflection and mindfulness. This ensures your goals are aligned with your core values and contribute positively to your overall well-being and the well-being of others. This aspect makes iBecome Goals an excellent approach for those interested in mindful goal setting.
Positive Outlook: iBecome goals emphasize a positive, forward-thinking approach. They encourage you to move towards something meaningful and enriching rather than just avoiding negatives or solving problems.
Comprehensive Planning: Given their boundless nature, iBecome goals require a more intentional planning process. This involves breaking down larger goals into manageable steps, regularly reviewing progress and looking at your goals as a whole in relation to each other.
The iBecome Framework Explained
Let's dive into each element of the iBecome model and explore the science behind why these types of goals can lead to more fulfilling and sustainable progress.
Intrinsic
These goals should come from within, driven by what genuinely matters to you rather than external rewards or validation.
Research has shown that intrinsic motivation is associated with greater persistence, creativity, and well-being (Ryan & Deci, 2000). When your goals align with your personal values and interests, you're more likely to pursue them with enthusiasm and resilience.
Boundless
iBecome goals are expansive and limitless, encouraging you to dream big and go beyond things you want to do or have. For example, you might shift a goal from ‘write a book’ to ‘Be an exceptional author.’
This aligns with the concept of distal goals in goal-setting theory, which are long-term and broad in nature. Studies suggest that distal goals provide direction and meaning, fostering sustained effort and commitment (Latham & Locke, 2007).
Energising
Your goals should inspire and energise you, making you feel excited and driven. Energising goals leverage intrinsic motivation, leading to higher engagement and satisfaction (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990). When your goals are truly exciting, you'll find yourself more naturally motivated to work towards them.
Conscious
Reflect on your goals and their broader impact. Consider how they align with your values and how they affect others, fostering a mindful and considerate approach.
Conscious goals promote ethical behavior and social responsibility, enhancing personal and collective well-being (Brown & Ryan, 2003). This kind of reflection helps ensure your goals contribute positively to both your life and the lives of those around you, reinforcing the principles of mindful goal setting.
Optimistic
Ensure your goals are set with a positive intent of what you seek to work towards, not what you seek to avoid. This reflects the research on approach goals. These involve moving towards desirable outcomes and are more effective and sustainable than avoidance goals, which focus on preventing negative outcomes.
Research has shown that approach-oriented goals are associated with higher levels of motivation and achievement (Elliot & Church, 1997). By framing your goals in a positive light, you can foster a more optimistic and proactive mindset.
Mapped and Managed
Break down your boundless goals into actionable steps and regularly review your plan to stay on track.
This concept aligns with goal hierarchy theory, which suggests that organising goals into a hierarchy of superordinate (broad) and subordinate (specific) goals can enhance clarity and progress (Austin & Vancouver, 1996). Effective goal management includes regularly assessing progress to ensure alignment with overarching aspirations.
Evolutionary
Embrace continuous growth and development. Your goals should help you evolve, becoming more aligned with your true self and aspirations. This aligns with the distinction between developmental goals (focused on personal growth and learning) and achievement goals (focused on external success and performance).
Research indicates that developmental goals foster resilience and adaptability, supporting long-term success and well-being (Dweck, 2006). By focusing on growth, you'll continually evolve and adapt, becoming the best version of yourself.
Practical Scenarios for iBecome Goals
Personal Development: For those on a journey of self-discovery and growth, iBecome goals provide a framework for setting and achieving goals that reflect their true passions and values.
Professional Growth: Professionals seeking to evolve in their careers can use iBecome goals to focus on long-term development and meaningful achievements, beyond just job titles or salary increases.
Entrepreneurial Ventures: Entrepreneurs can benefit from this model by setting visionary goals that drive their business forward while staying true to their core values and mission.
Creative Projects: Artists and creatives can use iBecome goals to push the boundaries of their work, fostering continuous innovation and inspiration.
The Difference You’ll see with iBecome
So the million dollar question: Am I achieving my goals in this new model?
Well, that’s a trick question. Because with iBecome while achievement might be a benefit, the true test of the model is whether I am more of the human I am seeking to be. And to that, I can say a resounding yes.
The iBecome model offers a transformative approach to goal-setting, focusing on personal evolution and intrinsic motivation. By shifting the focus from what you achieve to who you become, it encourages continuous growth and mindful reflection. If you're seeking a more holistic, energising, and values-driven way to set and achieve your goals, iBecome goals might be the perfect fit for you.
By embracing the iBecome framework, you can transform your goal-setting process into a journey of self-discovery and continuous growth. Explore the boundless possibilities and become the best version of yourself with iBecome Goals through mindful goal setting.