Setting Goals With HEART – A New Approach to Achieving Your Dreams

I know we’ve all heard about setting goals the SMART way, but have you tried setting goals with HEART? ?

If the SMART method doesn’t work for you, give this a shot. When I was studying to get my transformation life coaching certification, I learned about the HEART goal-setting model, and it was a game-changer for me.

HEART stands for:

Honest: Is this goal right for you?

Exact: What exactly do you need to do to reach this goal?

Authentic: Does it reflect what you really want?

Realistic: Is the goal realistic considering all your other obligations?

Timely: What is the deadline? How long will it truly take to reach this goal?

We all have those goals we set over and over again. Maybe you’re trying to learn a new language, lose a few pounds, or save money.

But for some reason, you just can’t seem to reach those goals. It’s frustrating, right?

Maybe it isn’t you. Maybe it’s the way you’re setting goals that is failing you.

When you set goals with HEART, you ensure they are genuinely aligned with who you are and what you want. It’s not just about ticking off boxes; it’s about setting goals that resonate deeply with your core values and life situation.

So, let’s break it down a bit more.

Being honest means really evaluating whether this goal is something you truly want and need in your life. Sometimes, we set goals based on what we think we should do, rather than what we genuinely want to achieve.

This step is about clarity and self-awareness.

Next, being exact involves outlining the precise steps you need to take. Vague goals lead to vague results. Be specific about what you need to do.

If you want to lose weight, how much do you want to lose? What changes will you make to your diet and exercise routine?

Authenticity is about ensuring your goals reflect your true desires, not what others expect of you. When your goals are authentic, you’ll find more motivation and joy in working towards them.

Realism is crucial because setting unattainable goals can lead to disappointment and frustration. Consider your current commitments and constraints.

Can you realistically achieve this goal with everything else you have going on?

Finally, being timely involves setting a clear deadline. Without a timeline, it’s easy to procrastinate. Be honest about how long it will take and set a reasonable deadline to keep yourself on track.

We all have goals we struggle to achieve. Maybe it’s not you; maybe it’s the method you’re using. Give the HEART model a try and see if it helps you create more meaningful and attainable goals. 

Here’s to setting realistic goals with HEART and finally achieving what you’ve set out to do!