Speaking Notes
Follow the Pirate Code!
The only thing I remember from Pirates of the Caribbean.
But when the Code isn’t working out so well for you:
Well, it’s not a Code. It’s more like guidelines we try to follow.
This is the start of a New Year.
A lot of us are setting goals for what we want to achieve this year.
Some of you are setting SMART goals.
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Time-Bound
For some of you SMART goals are like the Pirate’s Code.
“This is the way to set goals!”
Follow the Code!
I want you to consider that THE CODE of SMART goals is more like a guide.
“All goals should be SMART goals!”
Don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong with SMART goals.
It’s a great framework for getting specific about what you want to do and then getting it done.
These guidelines help you get a handle on turning those things you want–dreams–into reality.
“A goal without a deadline is only a dream.”
Specific: If your goal isn’t specific enough your mind won’t have anything to grab hold of and make it a priority.
Measurable . . . hmmm. We’ll get back to this one.
Attainable: You’re probably not going to play pro basketball if your 5’5” and 150 pounds.
Relevant: For your personal goals – if it matters to you, it’s Relevant.
Time-Bound – A goal without a deadline is only a dream.
SMART goals have a lot of good points.
But remember – they are like the Pirates’ Code – they are more like a guide.
Some of your most important goals won’t fit in the SMART goals rules.
Let’s look at some differences:
Run 1500 miles in 2023 – SMART GOAL
Weigh under 200 pounds by December 31 – SMART GOAL
Double the number of regular listeners to this podcast by December 31. SMART GOAL
Learn how to be a better story teller.
Find ways to consistently let my wife know how much I value her.
These are not SMART goals.
But they are worth pursuing.
I think everyone should set goals for personal growth.
When you stop growing you start dying.
You should have goals that will motivate you to become the best version of yourself that you can be.
And those goals may not fit the formula of SMART goals.
So don’t be afraid to be like the characters in Pirates of the Caribbean: the CODE is more like a guide.
Don’t be afraid to go after your goals in a way that works for you. Don’t get stuck with a formula that doesn’t work for what you want.
Leave a Reply