STOP SETTING SMARTS GOAL IF YOU WANT TO SUCCEED

In this thought-provoking episode of 3 Point Nuggets, Bessy Ebule challenges the widespread belief that setting SMART goals is the ultimate path to success. While SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) have been praised by motivational speakers and experts alike, Bessy reveals why these goals can sometimes limit our true potential.

Drawing from the insights of best-selling author James Clear, Bessy discusses the potential pitfalls of SMART goals, including how they can narrow our focus, lead to an overemphasis on outcomes rather than processes, and create a false sense of entitlement. Instead, Bessy introduces Clear’s approach, which encourages building systems and habits that support continuous growth rather than fixating on specific results.

Whether you're trying to save more money, get in shape, or live a more fulfilled life, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on goal setting and how to maximize your potential by focusing on the process. Tune in to discover how to create systems that keep you motivated and moving forward, even when the road gets tough.

Don't miss out—listen to this episode now and learn how to redefine success on your terms! Be sure to subscribe, like, and share, and remember that all things are possible with God.

Transcript

In this episode, I challenge the popular notion that once you set SMART goals, you can achieve them. The problem with SMART goals is they can limit you and give a sense of entitlement so instead of maximising your full potentials, they can make you underachieve.

If you are interested in saving more money, getting into better shape, or living a more fulfilled life, this episode is for you. You have probably set many SMART goals to achieve your dreams in the past but they didn’t work and you ask yourself why?

 Best-selling author James Clear has offered an alternative and more productive approach to goal setting which I’ll reveal if you listen till the end. 

Welcome back to 3 Point Nuggets. My name is Bessy Ebule.

 When it comes to achieving success, we've all been told to set SMART goals - specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. It's a concept that's been preached by motivational gurus and productivity experts alike, and it's easy to see why. SMART goals seem like a formula for success, a way to create a clear roadmap for achieving our objectives. But they have some associated problems.

The first problem with SMART goals is that they can be incredibly limiting. When we set a specific goal, we risk creating a narrow focus that stifles our creativity and long-term growth. We become so fixated on achieving that one specific outcome that we forget to consider alternative solutions or paths that might be even better. And what happens when circumstances change, and our goal is no longer relevant? We're left feeling frustrated and defeated, stuck in a mindset that's focused on a single outcome rather than a broader vision.

 For example, if your goal all along was to win the 100m race in your school and you eventually do, you’ll find there’s no more motivation to do anything more. The goal has essentially become your limiter. But there’s no use limiting yourself to a 100 m win in the local community when you could be running at the Olympics. You should be living at your maximum capacity and not limit yourself.

 The second problem?

 SMART goals can lead to an overemphasis on outcome rather than process. We become so focused on achieving the goal that we forget to enjoy the journey, to learn and grow from the experience. And when we finally achieve our goal, we often find that the sense of fulfillment is short-lived, because we haven't created a system or habit that will continue to drive us forward. We're left feeling empty and unfulfilled, wondering what's next.

 I believe whatever you invest your time in should be something that resonates with you. You should enjoy the process of reading a book, the lessons you learn from each page, rather than just reading because you want to tick the box that you read one more book.

Another issue with SMART goals is that they can create a sense of entitlement. We achieve our goal, and suddenly we feel like we've earned the right to rest on our laurels, to take a break and celebrate our success. But success isn't a destination, it's a journey. And if we're not continuously pushing ourselves, continuously improving and growing, then we're going to stagnate and fall behind.

 Now before I tell you Clear’s suggestion on how to better navigate the goal setting process, please follow the channel, like and share, and click on that notification button so you don’t miss any episode. Now let’s hear what James thinks.

James suggests that rather than focusing on specific outcomes, we should focus on building systems and habits that drive us towards our vision. This approach recognizes that success is not a destination, but a continuous process of growth and improvement. By focusing on the process rather than the outcome, we're able to create a sense of momentum and motivation that will carry us forward, even when the journey gets tough.

 One of the key insights from James Clear is that it's not about the goals we set, but the systems we create. When we focus on building good habits and systems, we're able to achieve far more than we would by focusing on a specific goal. We're able to create a sense of consistency and momentum that will drive us forward, even when we encounter obstacles and setbacks.

 This insight completely flips my perspective on goal-setting. I realized that I had been focusing on the wrong thing, on the outcome rather than the process. I had been so fixated on achieving specific goals that I had neglected to create a system or habit that would drive me towards my vision. And that's when it clicked - it's not about the goals we set, but the systems we create.

 So, what's the takeaway from all of this? It's that goal setting shouldn't be about creating a specific outcome, but about building a system or habit that will drive us towards our vision. It's about focusing on the process rather than the outcome and recognizing that success is a continuous journey of growth and improvement rather than a destination.

 Thanks for watching, and I'd love to hear from you in the comments - how do you approach goal setting, making them SMART or creating systems and habits to help you achieve more success in your life? 

 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to the channel for free.

 And if you want to learn more about building better habits, check out my other videos on how to create a habit loop that drives you towards your goals.

 Always remember, with God, all things are possible. I’ll see you next time. God bless you.