7 Practical Goal Setting Strategies (that aren’t SMART goals)

Setting goals can feel overwhelming, especially if you're neurodivergent. I get it; sometimes even figuring out where to start can feel like climbing a mountain.

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Implementing practical goal setting strategies tailored to your unique thinking patterns can help you achieve your objectives with clarity and confidence. Embracing your individual strengths while acknowledging potential challenges can transform the goal-setting process into a rewarding experience.

You may find traditional approaches to goal setting less effective, which is why adapting these strategies might be a better fit.

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Understanding Neurodiversity and Goal Setting

Navigating goal setting requires a tailored approach for neurodivergent people. It’s not about working harder; it’s about working in a way that feels natural. Acknowledging the unique ways neurodiversity impacts focus, processing, and motivation is crucial for effective goal achievement.

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in human cognition, emphasizing differences in thinking and behavior. It encompasses conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others. Recognizing this diversity means understanding that traditional goal-setting methods may not suit everyone.

The Importance of Personalized Goals

Personalized goals are essential for fostering motivation and a sense of achievement. Generic targets often overlook individual strengths and challenges. By setting goals that align with your unique capabilities, you pave the way for success.

You should evaluate what works best for you. Some people might excel with structured, clear milestones, while others may prefer a fluid approach. For me, setting a priority list based on my daily energy levels and interests has made a world of difference.

You can create a priority list based on personal interests and daily rhythms. This flexibility encourages engagement and reduces frustration, making the goal-setting process more effective.

Identifying Your Strengths and Challenges

Recognizing your unique strengths and challenges is crucial for effective goal setting. This awareness helps you optimize your potential while creating realistic strategies to address obstacles.

Leveraging Neurodivergent Strengths

Neurodivergent people often possess distinctive strengths. These can include heightened creativity, deep focus on interests, and strong problem-solving skills.

• Creativity: Use your unique perspective to generate innovative ideas in your personal or professional life.
• Hyperfocus: Channel your ability to concentrate intensely on interests to achieve significant milestones. You know that feeling. When you're in the zone, you feel unstoppable.
• Adaptability: Embrace your capability to think outside the box, as this can lead to unique solutions.

Consider creating a list of your strengths. Regularly revisit and update this list to remind yourself of the inherent abilities that can aid in achieving your goals.

Strategizing Around Challenges

Identifying challenges is just as important as recognizing strengths. Common challenges may include sensory sensitivities, difficulties with time management, or trouble with traditional structures.

• Sensory Challenges: Create a comfortable workspace by minimizing distractions or using noise-canceling headphones.
• Time Management: Utilize timers or visual schedules to manage tasks effectively. Breaking tasks into smaller steps can also make them more manageable.
• Communication Styles: If social interactions are challenging, establish clear communication methods that work for you, such as written notes or visual aids.

By outlining specific challenges and developing personalized strategies, you can better navigate obstacles while working towards your goals.

7 Goal Setting Strategies

1. SMARTER Goals (Extended SMART)

Okay, so I know I said I was going to give you strategies that weren't SMART goals. But SMART goals stay at the forefront because it's a good approach. That said, if you know this system doesn't work for you, skip to number 2.

SMARTER goals build on the original SMART framework by adding two additional components: Evaluate and Revise. This approach enhances flexibility and responsiveness in your goal-setting process.

SMARTER stands for:

• Specific: Define your goal clearly. What exactly do you want to achieve?
• Measurable: Establish criteria to track progress. How will you know when you’ve reached it?
• Achievable: Ensure your goal is realistic and attainable. Is it within your reach?
• Relevant: Align your goal with your broader objectives. Does it matter to you?
• Time-bound: Set a deadline for your goal. When do you want to achieve this?
• Evaluate: Regularly assess your progress. Are you on track to meet your deadline?
• Revise: Be open to adjusting your goal as needed. Do you need to change your approach to achieve success?

Using the SMARTER framework allows you to remain adaptable. This is crucial for maintaining motivation and focus, especially as circumstances change. By evaluating and revising, you better accommodate your unique needs and preferences.

2. Reverse Goal Setting

Reverse goal setting is a technique that allows you to work backward from your desired outcome. This method breaks a goal down into manageable steps, helping you identify specific actions to reach your target.

Begin by clearly defining your end goal. Ask yourself what you want to achieve. Write it down in a clear, concise statement.

Next, outline the necessary steps to reach that goal.

Working backward helps you focus on what needs to be done today to reach your target tomorrow.

You can also create a timeline. This visual aid keeps you organized and motivated.

Consider using a table to map out your goals:

Goal	Steps Needed	Deadline
Write a book	Research, outline, write	12 months
Start a blog	Choose a platform, create content	3 months

Tracking your progress regularly can help you stay on course. Celebrate small wins along the way, as this will keep your motivation high.

Reverse goal setting promotes clarity. You can adjust your path as you gain insights from each completed step. This method empowers you to take control of your journey.

3. Goal Stacking

Goal stacking involves combining multiple smaller goals into a cohesive plan. This method can be particularly effective for neurodivergent women who may prefer structure and clarity.

1. Identify Your Goals: Start by listing your main objectives. Focus on what you want to achieve, whether it’s personal, academic, or professional.

2. Break Down Goals: Divide larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes them less overwhelming and provides clear steps to follow. Each of these steps becomes a goal itself.

3. Prioritize Tasks: Arrange tasks by importance or deadline. Use a simple ranking system to determine which tasks to tackle first.

4. Set Timeframes: Assign specific time limits for each task. This creates urgency and helps you stay on track.

5. Use Visual Aids: Consider creating a visual representation of your goals and tasks. Tools like charts, bullet journals, or digital planners can enhance clarity.

6. Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adjust your goals and tasks as needed. Flexibility can reduce frustration and help maintain motivation.

7. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge your progress with each completed task. Positive reinforcement boosts confidence and encourages continued effort.

By stacking goals, you improve your focus and productivity. This approach aligns tasks with your personal strengths, making it a practical strategy for achieving your objectives.

4. HARD Goals Framework

The HARD Goals Framework consists of four key elements: Heartfelt, Animated, Required, and Difficult. These elements are designed to create meaningful and achievable goals.

• Heartfelt: Your goals should resonate with your passions and values. Identify what truly matters to you and ensure your goals reflect this.

• Animated: Visualize your goals. Create a vivid mental picture or a vision board that captures the essence of what you want to achieve. This will keep you motivated.

• Required: Your goals must align with your needs and priorities. Consider what is necessary for your personal and professional growth.

• Difficult: Set challenges that push your boundaries. Goals should be attainable yet require effort and commitment. Embrace the journey of overcoming obstacles.

Using the HARD framework helps you craft objectives that are not only practical but also inspiring. By focusing on these elements, you can create a roadmap that connects deeply with your aspirations while demanding your best effort.

Incorporating this framework into your goal-setting process fosters a stronger commitment and a clearer vision of what you want to achieve. Aim for balance among all four components to enhance your goal-setting experience.

5. Clear's 4 Laws of Behavior Change

James Clear, in his book “Atomic Habits,” presents a framework for behavior change that includes four laws. These laws can help you set and achieve goals effectively.

1. Make it Obvious:
   Identify your cues. Make sure your goals and reminders are visible. Use sticky notes or alarms to prompt the desired action.

2. Make it Attractive:
   Pair tasks with things you enjoy. Create a system of rewards for completing steps toward your goals. This increases motivation.

3. Make it Easy:
   Simplify the process. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable actions. The easier it is to start, the more likely you will follow through.

4. Make it Satisfying:
   Create a reward system for yourself. Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement helps solidify new behaviors.

Using these four laws enables you to design an environment that supports your goals. By applying Clear's principles, you can create effective strategies tailored to your needs.

6. Stretch Goals

Stretch goals are significant yet attainable objectives that can help you push your boundaries. They encourage you to aim higher and grow in the process.

When setting stretch goals, consider these key points:

• Ambition: Choose goals that challenge you but are still within reach.
• Clarity: Define specific outcomes so you can measure progress.
• Timeframe: Assign a realistic deadline to maintain motivation.

Benefits of Stretch Goals

1. Increased Motivation: A challenging goal can inspire you to put forth your best effort.
2. Growth Opportunities: Tackling difficult goals can lead to new skills and experiences.
3. Focus on Progress: Stretch goals shift your attention from perfection to improvement.

Tips for Setting Stretch Goals

• Be Specific: Instead of “get better at painting,” aim for “complete five full paintings.”
• Break It Down: Divide the stretch goal into actionable tasks. This reduces overwhelm.
• Celebrate Milestones: Recognize achievements along the way, even small progress matters.

Stretch goals allow you to expand your abilities while maintaining a sense of direction and purpose.

7. 90-Day Goal Framework

The 90-Day Goal Framework is a tool for breaking down larger objectives into manageable steps. This method allows for focus and clarity within a specific timeframe.

Steps to Implement the Framework:

1. Identify Your Long-Term Goals
   Think about what you want to achieve in six months to a year. Write down these goals.

2. Break Goals into Quarterly Objectives
   Divide long-term goals into smaller, actionable objectives for the next 90 days.

3. Set SMART Goals
   Make sure each objective is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

4. Create a Weekly Action Plan
   Outline tasks for each week that lead to your 90-day objectives. Assign deadlines to keep yourself accountable.

5. Track Your Progress
   Use a journal or digital tool to record your progress weekly. Reflect on what works and what needs adjustment.

6. Celebrate Milestones
   Acknowledge and reward yourself for achieving your weekly tasks and 90-day goals. This boosts motivation.

Following this framework can help you stay on track and accomplish your goals efficiently.

Even though each of these frameworks is slightly different, they all lean into some of the same tenets. Your goals need to be specific and meaningful to you. If they're not, the likelihood of you achieving them goes down. You also need a way to measure or track your progress. Before setting a goal for yourself, choose a framework. Maybe experiment with different frameworks for the same goal to see what feels right.

The key here is to remember that if you don't have structure, you won't have a goal: it'll just be a wish.