I was taught for years that there is only one way to set goals. However, as I have worked with many clients with diverse backgrounds, stories, and ideas, I have discovered that there are multiple ways to set goals; writing SMART goals is not the only way. And it has less to do with your goals and more to do with how you think.

In this article, I will discuss some archetypes I have noticed as well as the best goal-setting strategy for each of them. If you have previously failed to achieve your goals, it is possible that your failure was due to how you approached those goals rather than an inherent flaw in yourself.

1The individual who is focused on achieving goals

Reaching the pinnacle of success: goal accomplished! If you possess a goal-oriented mindset, you probably won't need to read this article. You enjoy setting objectives and accomplishing them.

Your walls are adorned with sticky notes, outlining various goals, such as running a 5K in March, learning whitewater kayaking in the summer, or completing a novel by the end of the year.

One by one, you check them off! You set your sights on the finish line and find a way to get there, whether or not you have a specific plan. The motivation to aim for the prize is enough to get the job done.

You're exactly the kind of person who naturally thinks in terms of goal-setting, and it's difficult for you to comprehend why others don't adopt the same approach. Keep doing what you're doing!

2The individual who loves making lists

Dear list-maker, you have a fondness for spreadsheets. You don't just have a few sticky notes lying around; you have one or more lists that guide you in achieving your goals. While having a clear end goal is not your sole focus, each item you check off the list brings a sense of joy and accomplishment.

There are two types of lists:

• A list of tasks related to a specific theme, such as "I aim to ride all the mountain bike trails within 30 miles of my house."

• A list of tasks that lead to a major goal, like "To finish my novel, I need to..."

If list-making doesn't come naturally to you, this strategy might not work as well. You may experience a sense of accomplishment from creating the list but struggle to take action on the tasks. In that case, you might consider switching to another strategy (like the taskmaster) or starting with a simpler list to get started.

3The task-oriented individual

Consistently showing up for training sessions (pre-COVID!) You thrive when you have something to do every day to stay on track. It doesn't have to be something grandiose; even small tasks like making your bed, doing 10 push-ups or spending 15 minutes weeding the garden work well for you. Having specific and regular tasks to focus on is beneficial.

Daily tasks are ideal, although you might set goals like running twice a week, cooking four homemade dinners a week, or meditating for 10 minutes before starting work each day.

Taskmaster-style strategies work for many people, regardless of their personalities.

They are straightforward, specific, and require consistent repetition. This type of goal-setting helps to form lasting habits that go beyond training for a single event. Select tasks that are relevant to your needs and align with your big-picture goals. If your chosen task is closely connected to your "why," it becomes much easier to accomplish.

4The visionary

You are someone who embraces mantras. Your ultimate goal is to "live your best life" or "be the change you want to see in the world." Checklists or specific daily tasks don't motivate you greatly. Instead, before taking any action, you reflect on whether it aligns with your life's purpose. You feel a deep connection to your mantra and use it as a guiding filter throughout your day.

You ask yourself, "Does this align with my dreams for myself?" Rather than trying to fit into the one-size-fits-all strategies often promoted as the only way to achieve goals, focus your energy on being true to yourself.

Trust your instincts, repeat your mantra throughout the day, and hold yourself to the standards you aspire to. Recognize when you deviate from your purpose and strive to make better choices next time. You don't need a calendar filled with tasks to be the person you desire to be. Don't force it.

5The pessimist

You believe that goal-setting is unpleasant, and you don't want to do it because you anticipate failure. You don't think you're capable of achieving significant things. Perhaps you're not ready for major life changes, you're experiencing depression, you struggle to envision your future, or you've faced too many failures in the past that have made you hesitant to try again.

I have faith in you, dear pessimist, that you can find a way to set meaningful and achievable goals, but at your own pace and in your way. However, if you keep telling yourself, "I can't do this," "I lack motivation," or "I will fail at my goals," you're not predicting your future; you're creating it.

Your words matter. This doesn't mean that simply affirming success will guarantee it, but it will give you a fighting chance.

Resist the temptation to set goals simply because you think you should or because others tell you it's a good idea. Take the time to delve deep and discover what truly matters to you and why. Instead, adopt the mindset of a visionary. How do you want your life to look? What activities do you envision yourself engaging in?

What aspirations do you feel are within your reach? Focus on things that are within your control and that you have the power to change. This process may take minutes, hours, days, or even years. But you owe it to yourself to invest that time.

Instead of joining a spin class because it seems like something fit people do, redefine fitness for yourself. What does it mean to you? Maybe you see yourself as a fighter, so you could put a punching bag in your room and join a boxing gym.

Or perhaps you dream of hiking a long-distance trail, so you can start by taking day hikes and watching backpacking videos on YouTube. Fitness could even be more of an art than a science for you, in which case you could explore dance classes online and try out different styles until you find one you enjoy.

So what's next?

First, determine if you're truly ready to set goals. How? Take a look at the Readiness for Change Model.

If you're in the pre-contemplation or contemplation stages, you're not quite ready to set a goal. Keep learning and soul-searching. If you're in the preparation stage, that's the sweet spot.

Identify which archetype best describes you from the ones mentioned earlier and consider your goals. Now is the time to strategize how to best move towards those goals.

Use the 5 Whys framework to delve into the deeper meaning behind your goals. If you're in the action stage, you're already taking steps. However, it's always beneficial to reassess if your approach is working for you.

You might realize that you're taking the wrong approach based on your personality, and it's time to switch strategies. And if you're in the maintenance stage, congratulations! It still takes effort to stay there, so as you achieve goals, remember to set new ones or update your strategies to avoid getting bored.

Examples

My clients publicly post their goals in the training space to inspire others, receive support, and generate new ideas. It's exciting to see what others are working towards. You'll notice that some goals may seem easy to you, while others appear completely impossible.

Remember that all goals are valid if they are relevant and appropriately challenging for YOU. Some people prefer setting simple goals, while others thrive on pushing themselves hard. Both approaches are fantastic when they align with the right person and the right timing.

In conclusion,

Setting goals comes naturally to some and not so naturally to others. There are different approaches to goal-setting, and all of them are valid when applied to the right individuals at the right time. If you're feeling stuck, it could be that you're not ready to set goals or that you're unsure how to choose goals that truly resonate with you.

In such cases, coaching can be helpful. It's better to wait to set a goal if you strongly oppose it or fear failure, rather than forcing yourself into a goal that doesn't genuinely inspire you.

What goals are you currently working towards? Or are you struggling to find motivation or define your goals?

Feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to me for a free consultation! I offer both personal training and virtual coaching, so no matter where you are, we can work together to move your life forward.

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