You've probably heard about goal setting many times and the need to write them in SMART format. As I have written about before, the common teaching is that your goals should be
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Time Bound
These are certainly good characteristics of goals, and they can get you where you want to go. But goals like this can also be a bit boring.
If you want to create goals that are more likely to create energy and motivation for you, try creating SMARTER goals next time.
With the SMARTER format, the goals you set will be
Specific - Be clear on what you want to achieve
Measurable - Create a way to tell how your progressing and how you'll know when you're done
Actionable - Do you have steps you can take this very moment to start moving you in the direction of your goal
Risky - Whereas SMART goals encourage making your goals achievable, SMARTER goals should be a little be scary. By setting goals that are a little beyond what you think you can achieve, they cause you to get more creative as you think about how to approach them. Your goals should not be "pie in the sky" goals that are way out of reach (e.g. become a billionaire next year) but just a little beyond what you'd normally think of as achievable.
Time Bound - Keep that time aspect front and center so you know what you're aiming for and when you want to get there
Exciting/Energizing - When you write your goals, if they don't excite or energize you, it might be time to rethink if they're ones you actually want to pursue. Are they truly your goals or are you pursuing someone else's dreams.
Relevant - Are the goals you're setting relevant to what you want to achieve at this point in your life? When you achieve your goals, will you be closer to or farther away from the person you want to become.
Next time you set goals, give the SMARTER format a try and see how it goes.