Buzz
The SMART goal framework—specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound—is widely known. While it can deliver outcomes, it may not always be the most effective path to achieving your aspirations.
For a different approach, you could explore adopting FAST goals as an alternative.
Donald Sull and Charles Sull, management experts, outline and elaborate on FAST goals in the MIT Sloan Management Review:
Our research revealed that effective goal systems are built on four fundamental principles, encapsulated by the acronym FAST. [...] Goals should be integrated into
regular
conversations;
bold
in their scope; evaluated using
clear
metrics and milestones; and made
visible
to everyone within the organization.
Observant readers will note that both SMART and FAST goals emphasize one common trait: specificity. Before pursuing a goal, clearly define what you aim to accomplish and the criteria for success.
Here’s the distinction between the two goal types. When setting a FAST goal, prioritize ambition over realism. As Sull and Sull emphasize:
The inclination to set conservative goals is understandable but often counterproductive. Studies show that employees with ambitious goals consistently outperform those with more modest targets.
In simpler terms—and I can’t believe I’m saying this—aim high, and even if you fall short, you’ll still achieve something remarkable.
After establishing your ambitious goal—whether for yourself, your workplace, or your family—make it a habit to revisit it often. As Sull and Sull reiterate:
Even the most meticulously designed goals will fail to make an impact if they’re tucked away for 363 days a year. To effectively execute a strategy, goals must act as a guiding framework for critical decisions and actions all year round.
This aligns with a concept I recently encountered in Nir Eyal’s latest book, Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life. Eyal advises assessing every decision based on whether it brings you closer to—or pulls you further from—your goal.
While this approach isn’t always entirely practical, since we’re aiming high anyway, why not experiment with it?
That covers frequent, ambitious, and specific. The final term in the acronym, transparent, speaks for itself. Ensure your goals, and the motivations behind them, are clear to everyone involved in helping you achieve them.
Some may debate the necessity of transparency. I’m not suggesting you divulge every detail of your new creative endeavor, fitness plan, or similar pursuits. In fact, studies indicate that keeping personal goals private can increase your chances of success.
However, if your goal requires the support of others—like reducing how often your household orders takeout in favor of cooking at home—it’s wise to be open about the goal (“ordering takeout just once a week”), its purpose (“to save money”), and how success will be measured (“did we stick to once-a-week takeout?”).
Transparency also extends to explaining how others can contribute to achieving the goal—or helping the group reach a collective objective. This ensures everyone understands how their actions and choices align with the shared aim.
For instance, if you need an hour every other morning for a run, communicate to your household how they can assist you. If your family aims to order takeout only once a week, clarify how everyone will need to pitch in with meal planning, preparation, and cleanup.
Keep in mind that FAST goals, unlike SMART goals, are inherently ambitious. If you occasionally order takeout twice in a week, it’s still progress compared to daily orders. This applies to any FAST goal you set—so start implementing them now and see how far they can propel you.
