The curse of SMART objectives. And how to break it.
Feeling bored? Demotivated? Or, unproductive? This is for you.
Most commercial activity is still dominated by some particularly outdated mindsets. None more so than the global unconditional obsession with SMART objectives.
Here's a recap:
SMART objectives are a specialist mantra that says whatever you do, make it:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Realistic
- Time bound
It's a curse that has demotivated talented generalists for generations.
Try this for yourself ...
Go through each list (below) in turn. Honestly? If it came to choosing how to spend your day, which list gets your juices flowing?
As Tim Ferris (4-Hour Work Week) shrewdly points out: the more excited you are, the more focused and productive you will be.
TIP: Try this if you are feeling demotivated?
Or bored?
Or unproductive?
Make more of your objectives UBOFU.
Helping businesses get their PR and marketing right to reach new customers and clients through social media, magazines and newspapers
4 å¹´It's true. Nothing gives me greater sense of achievement than prioritising and rattling off a long list of tasks, completing each quickly and efficiently, and not leaving anything hanging over for another day. Yesterday was like that and it felt great. Sadly I wasn't bright enough to realise I had been SMART ?? ??
Visual Communicator: I create images that humanize brands and distinguish them from competitors. You have to get noticed before you can gain someone's trust.
4 å¹´"SMART" objectives make me think of writers who try to write and edit their work at the same time-- a good way to limit yourself and drive yourself crazy. Let your mind roam free. Stay in the zone and jot down every idea you can. You can evaluate 'em later. Great post, Richard. P.S. UBOFU has cred because you didn't try to manufacture a neat and tidy acronym ahead of time! ??