I like the re-framing of SMART goals (which I never really liked to begin with) to WISE goals, as I believe the right mindset and triggering the right mindset behind goals and dream make all the difference.
Thank you so much for the support, Claudia! I used to unknowingly set dreams as goals all the time, and when they wouldn’t materialize due to factors outside my control, I’d feel disappointed in myself. I've found this distinction between goals and dreams has really changed my perspective!
Love this reframe. SMART is very familiar to me from the corporate world and I think many people have a hard time with it. WISE sits much better with me. I particularly like the E -
“If you work toward this goal for months or years and the dream never materializes, will you be glad you pursued it anyway?” - this feels like a much more positive way to view our ambitions and build them into a fulfilling life. Thanks so much for sharing!
I’m so glad to hear that WISE goals resonated with you, Serena! The additional metric of the goal being enough has really changed my perspective on how I set goals moving forward. Previously, when using SMART goals, I would work on a project or toward an external metric somewhat blindly; I certainly wanted the outcome, but I would feel disappointed if it didn’t materialize and that the time invested was wasted. The aspect of considering whether a goal is enough, regardless of whether the dream materializes, has really helped me a lot in that respect. Thank you so much for your kind words!
Very interesting indeed, I like the new model. In all fairness to SMART goals however they are almost always associated with subsequent actions in the control of the person setting them. But still missing the E part that can be game changer for the personal development category
When I used SMART goals previously, I found myself planning out the subsequent actions, but there was still a feeling of hoping for an external outcome. For example, getting a particular score on an exam, winning a prize, or getting into a certain college wasn’t always directly correlated with effort. WISE goals have helped me a lot in that sense, especially the aspect of it being enough, as you mentioned. Thank you for your thoughts and support, Marie!
I love the distinction. I think a lot of it is to do with your values and your inner core beliefs, and then you map out if it's a goal or a dream. I created a tool that I call my 3V map, and it focuses on three Vs:
I completely agree that your goals should be aligned with your values and beliefs, and I like the 3V map! WISE goals, especially the aspect of being enough, have really helped me ensure that the goal is something I truly align with instead of blindly executing. Thank you so much for the support, Tina!
I’ve been using WISE goals over the past few months, and I found that I feel much more in control and empowered. Thank you for the kind words, Chrystle!
Great clarity and pretty cool approach! This is reclaiming the process. Similar things happened to the original Agile manifesto (software development) - it was later hijacked by corporate definitions and "standardization" but left developers losing control instead of taking it. We need to get back to putting people in the driver's seat, and not making them feel bad about things they can't control!
This is great, thanks Jasmine. In my experience companies ask people to set SMART goals in performance cycles, but hardly anyone does. They simply either state an outcome or one very specific thing they’ll do. The middle ground here isn’t talked about much, i.e. what are the series of actions, or repeated actions, that are likely to get you to the desired outcome (but not guaranteed). Very refreshing, and I’ll be adopting.
A thought-provoking post about WISE goals. Your "E" reminds me of George Morrisey's "cost in dollars, hours of effort, or both" insight. Many goals fail because we haven't considered the cost in advance. How much time, energy, and effort are we willing to invest? Both personally and as a consultant, I've found this consideration useful.
I needed this! Especially when you mentioned goals like write 15mins daily etc. Gets monotonous and I start to feel empty. I am going to try this method. One thing that comes to mind for me is instead of aiming for finish 4 courses a semester as that creates exam anxiety, I can focus on finish reading assigned lessons/textbook. And I want to reflect on the questions ignite new skills // enough? Thank you. May God bless you🩷
I like the re-framing of SMART goals (which I never really liked to begin with) to WISE goals, as I believe the right mindset and triggering the right mindset behind goals and dream make all the difference.
Thank you so much for the support, Claudia! I used to unknowingly set dreams as goals all the time, and when they wouldn’t materialize due to factors outside my control, I’d feel disappointed in myself. I've found this distinction between goals and dreams has really changed my perspective!
thanks for making me/us aware of this distinction. It helped me.
Love this reframe. SMART is very familiar to me from the corporate world and I think many people have a hard time with it. WISE sits much better with me. I particularly like the E -
“If you work toward this goal for months or years and the dream never materializes, will you be glad you pursued it anyway?” - this feels like a much more positive way to view our ambitions and build them into a fulfilling life. Thanks so much for sharing!
I’m so glad to hear that WISE goals resonated with you, Serena! The additional metric of the goal being enough has really changed my perspective on how I set goals moving forward. Previously, when using SMART goals, I would work on a project or toward an external metric somewhat blindly; I certainly wanted the outcome, but I would feel disappointed if it didn’t materialize and that the time invested was wasted. The aspect of considering whether a goal is enough, regardless of whether the dream materializes, has really helped me a lot in that respect. Thank you so much for your kind words!
I like the reframe! I look forward to sharing it with clients!
This is a nice frame for sure — I also like E for EXCITING ! Like, this makes me come alive!
Reminds me of Anne Laurie Le Cunff’s idea of a PACT goal for continuous learning, too.
Well done !
Very interesting indeed, I like the new model. In all fairness to SMART goals however they are almost always associated with subsequent actions in the control of the person setting them. But still missing the E part that can be game changer for the personal development category
When I used SMART goals previously, I found myself planning out the subsequent actions, but there was still a feeling of hoping for an external outcome. For example, getting a particular score on an exam, winning a prize, or getting into a certain college wasn’t always directly correlated with effort. WISE goals have helped me a lot in that sense, especially the aspect of it being enough, as you mentioned. Thank you for your thoughts and support, Marie!
I love the distinction. I think a lot of it is to do with your values and your inner core beliefs, and then you map out if it's a goal or a dream. I created a tool that I call my 3V map, and it focuses on three Vs:
Values
Vision
Vows
I completely agree that your goals should be aligned with your values and beliefs, and I like the 3V map! WISE goals, especially the aspect of being enough, have really helped me ensure that the goal is something I truly align with instead of blindly executing. Thank you so much for the support, Tina!
Thank you for reframing this. Very valuable information.
I’m so glad to hear that WISE goals were helpful to you, Emily—thank you for the support!
This is an excellent essay, I'll definitely be trying the WISE goal setting! And congrats on your best selling book!
I really appreciate the support, Miche! I’m very glad to hear you liked the article, and I’d love to hear how you end up using WISE goals!
I never liked SMART goals either, too corporate speak. WISE is a more proactive and holistic approach.
I’ve been using WISE goals over the past few months, and I found that I feel much more in control and empowered. Thank you for the kind words, Chrystle!
You’re very welcome! Looking forward to more of your guest posts. 😊
Excellent article. :)
Thank you so much for the support!
Great clarity and pretty cool approach! This is reclaiming the process. Similar things happened to the original Agile manifesto (software development) - it was later hijacked by corporate definitions and "standardization" but left developers losing control instead of taking it. We need to get back to putting people in the driver's seat, and not making them feel bad about things they can't control!
This is great, thanks Jasmine. In my experience companies ask people to set SMART goals in performance cycles, but hardly anyone does. They simply either state an outcome or one very specific thing they’ll do. The middle ground here isn’t talked about much, i.e. what are the series of actions, or repeated actions, that are likely to get you to the desired outcome (but not guaranteed). Very refreshing, and I’ll be adopting.
A thought-provoking post about WISE goals. Your "E" reminds me of George Morrisey's "cost in dollars, hours of effort, or both" insight. Many goals fail because we haven't considered the cost in advance. How much time, energy, and effort are we willing to invest? Both personally and as a consultant, I've found this consideration useful.
I needed this! Especially when you mentioned goals like write 15mins daily etc. Gets monotonous and I start to feel empty. I am going to try this method. One thing that comes to mind for me is instead of aiming for finish 4 courses a semester as that creates exam anxiety, I can focus on finish reading assigned lessons/textbook. And I want to reflect on the questions ignite new skills // enough? Thank you. May God bless you🩷
This has come at an apt time for me. I will use WISE to set wiser goals.
Very interesting analyse and tool. Will try it on my current issue!