How to Set HEART Goals You’ll Actually Love

You might have heard the term ‘SMART’ goals before — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-based. Well, let me introduce you to HEART goals. The HEART model helps you set goals that are attainable and feels good.

HEART is a model for goal setting and it stands for: Honest, Exact, Authentic, Realistic, and Timely. Using the HEART model, it’s important to ask yourself these questions when setting goals:

HONEST

• Is the goal right for you?
• Is it consistent with your other ambitions and aspirations?
• Does it fit with your core values and beliefs?

EXACT

• What exactly will you need to accomplish your goal?
• How can you break down larger goals into smaller chunks?
• What are the specific small steps that you need to take to get to your larger goal?
• How will you keep track and measure every step that you take?

AUTHENTIC

• Is the goal consistent with your values?
• Does it align with your strengths and unique gifts?
• Does it reflect what you really want?

REALISTIC

• Is the goal realistic in light of all your other obligations?
• Do you have the time, energy, and motivation to complete this goal?
• If you commit to this goal, is there anything that you need to give up?

TIMELY

• What is the deadline for this goal?
• How long will each step take?
• What are the checkpoints for each step?
• By when will you accomplish each step?

Tracey Lange and I discussed this on KFM, listen to the conversation here: