Forget SMART Goals. Try the ABCs of Goal Setting Instead.
Updated October 2026
Every January, we find ourselves neck-deep in “New year, new you!” season. But the urge to reset can strike any time of year.
I’m all for personal growth and transformation (it’s why I do what I do!), but sometimes we make it much harder than it needs to be. Take goal-setting, for instance. The first step in the personal improvement journey is to determine your destination. We’re often told to “shoot for the moon!” and set BIG GOALS with a capital “G.” But what I love are little goals. Teeny-tiny goals. Micro-goals. The smaller the goal, the more likely I am to accomplish it. If you’ve been struggling with motivation like I have, you don’t need a big win. You need an easy win. That helps generate the motivation to start tackling the harder ones. I feel good about myself after I’ve accomplished something, anything. That’s rewarding, and it makes it more likely that I’ll do the next thing.
And the next thing.
Baby steps are still steps.
By now, you’ve probably heard of the acronym S.M.A.R.T. as a framework for goal-setting. But like, where did this even come from?
The acronym stands for:
Specific: Clearly define what you want to accomplish.
Measurable: Make sure you can track progress and outcomes.
Achievable: Set realistic goals that are within your capabilities and resources.
Relevant: Align goals with broader priorities and objectives.
Time-bound: Set a deadline to create urgency and focus.
SMART goals were originally created for managers and organizations to improve goal-setting and performance in the workplace. George T. Doran, a consultant and planning expert, introduced the concept in his 1981 article, “There’s a S.M.A.R.T. Way to Write Management’s Goals and Objectives.” His aim was to give business leaders a practical tool for creating more effective objectives and driving results.
Over time, the framework became widely used by individuals, teams, educators, and anyone seeking structured goal-setting in personal or professional life.
But did you know there are several other notable frameworks to choose from? Each one is designed to address a different aspect of planning, motivation, and achievement. Here’s a list:
1. HARD Goals
Developed by Mark Murphy, this framework focuses on goals that are emotionally and intellectually engaging. It’s best for people who are motivated by passion and enjoy ambitious challenges. HARD stands for:
Heartfelt: Emotionally compelling and meaningful.
Animated: Clearly visualized and inspiring.
Required: Essential and non-negotiable.
Difficult: Challenging enough to push your limits.
2. WOOP (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan)
Created by psychologist Gabriele Oettingen, WOOP emphasizes mental contrasting and planning. It’s best for managing internal and external barriers to success.
Wish: Define a meaningful goal.
Outcome: Visualize the best-case scenario.
Obstacle: Identify potential challenges.
Plan: Develop a strategy to overcome obstacles.
3. GROW Model
Commonly used in coaching, this framework helps individuals and teams clarify goals and take actionable steps. It’s best for guided decision-making and personal development.
Goal: Define the desired outcome.
Reality: Assess the current situation.
Options: Explore possible solutions or actions.
Will: Decide on a plan and commit to it.
4. CLEAR Goals
Focused on agility and adaptability, this framework is ideal for dynamic environments. It’s best for teams and individuals in fast-paced or evolving contexts. CLEAR stands for:
Collaborative: Goals should involve teamwork.
Limited: Goals should be focused and not overwhelming.
Emotional: Goals should inspire passion and commitment.
Appreciable: Break large goals into smaller steps.
Refinable: Be flexible enough to adjust goals as needed.
5. PACT Goals
An alternative to SMART, PACT emphasizes continuous progress and adaptability. It’s best for agile thinkers and those who value long-term growth over fixed deadlines. PACT stands for:
Purposeful: Goals should align with your values and priorities.
Actionable: Focus on actions rather than outcomes.
Continuous: Goals should encourage ongoing improvement.
Trackable: Progress should be measurable over time.
Here’s my take on these SMART alternatives: go with the framework that makes the most sense to YOU, based on your objectives (are they long-term, short-term, personal, or professional?), your mindset (do you prefer structure, emotional motivation, or flexibility?), and your environment (are you working alone, with a coach, or in a fast-changing setting?).
I created a framework too, based on the science of motivation and behavior change and the almost two decades I’ve spent helping patients and clients set therapeutic goals. Mine is simple. I call it the “ABCs of goal-setting.” It probably aligns most closely with the PACT goals above.
The ABCs stand for:
A: Affirmative. Frame your goal around what you’re trying to gain or have more of, not what you’re trying to lose or have less of. See if you can “flip the script” and focus on moving toward something rather than away from it.
B: Behavioral. Make it observable and measurable. Ask yourself: “If I were feeling better, more confident, or less anxious, what would I be DOING that I’m not doing now?” For example, if I were feeling more confident, I would be styling my hair differently and dressing cutesy. So start styling your hair differently and dressing cutesy. This is how you behave your way into feeling a certain way. It can be little things at first. If that’s too much effort, scale it back a bit and try again. Try rating your confidence from 0 to 100 to track your progress.
C: Changeable. Stay flexible and adaptive. Once you start moving toward the outcome you want, you have more information than you had before, and you can use it to adjust your goal or your methods. This isn’t about lowering expectations for yourself. It’s about “right-sizing” them to set yourself up for success.
S: Small. Set micro-goals and collect “small wins.” Don’t overlook the power of baby steps! Every little victory counts, so don’t minimize those micro-moments of joy and reward. Savor them, and use them to fuel your motivation to KEEP GOING.
Want help turning small goals into lasting habits? Download the free Between-Sessions Starter Kit. Skill 5, Repeat, shows you how to make any new habit stick.
Be & Stay Well,
