QT: It’s OK to Set Not SMART Goals for Yourself

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I really do love a new year.

While a new year is maybe more symbolic than anything else, it does provide a perfect opportunity to clear the decks and start fresh.

And while 2022 wasn’t a bad year for me, it was definitely something of a chaotic year.

So the fresh start of a new year is even more welcome for me this year than it has been in the recent past.

New Year, New Goals?

Perhaps the thing I enjoy most about a new year is the chance to set new goals.

The past few years, my goals have looked pretty similar from one year to the next.

I mean, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it, right?

That was my logic the past few years, and if 2022 has been a solid year for you more of the same might be the right call for you.

But this year I’m choosing to shake things up a bit.

And, according to some, I’m going about this the wrong way.

Not SMART Goals

If you’re into goal setting at all, you know about SMART goals.

In a lot of instances, SMART goals are probably a good idea.

But this year, one of my biggest goals is the opposite of SMART.

I wish I could come up with some clever acronym for not SMART goals, but apparently, I’m not smart enough to do so.

So what are not SMART goals?

One that’s hard to define. Unclear. No real finish line.

I’m not saying that you should have a not SMART goal or two on your list for this year, but I’m not saying you shouldn’t, either.

My 2023 Goals

The reason I’m sharing my 2023 goals with you is simple: it provides a little extra accountability.

So please feel free, at any point in 2023, to ask me how I’m doing.

Because Lord knows I’m good at letting myself off the hook without too much pushback when left to my own devices.

Run the Year

I struggled with whether or not to try running the year again in 2023.

After crushing it in both 2020 and 2021, I came up about 800 miles short of hitting the mark in 2022.

And I may even be on record as saying mileage goals are stupid.

Ultimately, I’ve decided to go for it again this year with the intention of not blowing past 2023 miles with several weeks (or months) left in the year.

Perform a Full Depth Body Weight Squat

This goal is all about restoring full functional movement to my body.

Will this make me a better runner somehow?

Maybe.

But this is me putting my money where my mouth is with my belief that better athletes make better runners.

Right now, my depth of squat is pathetic.

12 months from now, it’ll be much improved.

Get Stronger

Now for my dumb goal.

This year, I want to get physically stronger.

I’m not looking to pack on loads of muscles.

I’m not really worried about any specific feats of strength.

So what will this look like? How will I know if I’m successful here or not?

I guess it’ll be like porn, hard to define but I’ll know it when I see it.

Have a Great 2023!

One way or the other, I hope you have a great 2023!

If you have big goals in place already? Get cracking!

Still thinking about your goals? Cool. Better to take your time and come up with the goals that are right for you than to rush to put some goals together just because the new year is here.

Not much of a goal-setter? Nothing wrong with that!

Whatever your style, hope you have a great year!

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Is it ok to set not SMART goals for your running in 2023? In a word, yes. #runchat Click To Tweet

What are Your Running Goals for This Year?

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