The SMARTER Secret: How to Set Goals You’ll Actually Achieve

Why Most Goals Fail—And the Simple Fix That Changes Everything

How many times have you set a goal, only to watch it fade away by February? You’re not alone. According to research, up to 92% of New Year’s resolutions fail. The problem isn’t you—it’s the way most goals are set. In 'Your Best Year Ever,' Michael Hyatt introduces the SMARTER framework, a major upgrade from the classic SMART system. SMARTER stands for Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Risky, Time-keyed, Exciting, and Relevant. Each element is crucial, but together, they create a blueprint for goals that actually get done.

Let’s break it down: 'Specific' means your goal is clear and unambiguous. 'Measurable' ensures you can track your progress. 'Actionable' means you know exactly what steps to take. But here’s where Hyatt’s system shines: goals should also be 'Risky'—challenging enough to stretch you, not so easy that you get bored. They must be 'Time-keyed,' with clear deadlines or frequencies. Most importantly, they need to be 'Exciting'—motivating enough to pull you forward—and 'Relevant,' aligned with your current season of life.

Consider the difference between 'get fit' and 'run three miles every weekday at 7am.' The latter is SMARTER: it’s specific, measurable, actionable, and time-keyed. If you add that running is both risky (a new challenge) and exciting (linked to a bigger dream, like running a marathon), you’re far more likely to stick with it. Hyatt shares stories of people who transformed vague intentions into real achievements just by applying this system. One reader, for instance, set a risky but exciting goal to launch a side business in six months—and did it, thanks to the clarity and challenge built into her plan.

Another powerful insight: written goals are far more likely to be achieved. Studies cited in the book reveal that writing your goals increases your chances of success by 42%. Add regular review, and your odds go even higher.

Ready to set goals you’ll actually achieve? Use the SMARTER checklist, write your goals down, and revisit them often. Add a dash of risk and excitement, and watch your year transform from ordinary to extraordinary.

Stay tuned: Next, we’ll explore the secret sauce of motivation—finding your why.