Why You Should Start Setting Impossible Goals
Find out why you should go beyond SMART Goals and have Impossible Goals!
By Amanda Da Silva, B.Hkin, B.Ed, and M.Ed
4-minute read
Reaching the moon was an impossible dream. It seemed impossible at least. But human beings did it. So let’s talk about why you might need an impossible dream to get you going! | photo from unsplash
What would make your life meaningful?
That is our life's question!
You'd probably like to feel that you're living a vibrant and fulfilling life of love, happiness and purpose.
When we dream an impossible dream, can it be whittled down to a Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely goal? Can you fit your biggest most treasured dreams into the itty bitty box of a S.M.A.R.T. goal-setting framework?
That's like asking if you can store a live fireworks display in your purse. It doesn't make sense.
Perhaps over a lifetime— as your targets and goals are broken down into meaningful tasks.
But if it weren't for the trailblazers in history who have set impossible goals for themselves, where would we be today?
Set Yourself Some IMPOSSIBLE GOALS ⤵
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Moonshot Goals and Dreams
If Dr. Martin Luther King had set S.M.A.R.T. goals first, would he have impacted millions of lives and the social fabric of society in a life-changing way?
Would he have spoken the powerful words of his "I have a dream" speech? Would he have become a powerful catalyst for change in the world?
What about Elon Musk— engineer, industrial designer, technology entrepreneur and philanthropist whose vision is to "change the world and help humanity."
As stated in Wikipedia, his goals include: "reducing global warming through sustainable energy production and consumption and lessening the risk of human extinction by establishing a human colony on Mars."
Surely this gentleman did NOT start with S.M.A.R.T. goals; he began with the "impossible!"
These, my friends, are only two examples of people with moonshot dreams.
Let's Talk S.M.A.R.T Goals
This is not to say that S.M.A.R.T. goals are irrelevant—quite the opposite.
But I believe that the impossible overarching mission and goal work that stretches you beyond limits and the mind-blowing dreams stuff comes first. Breaking down how you will fill the gap between where you currently are with what you would ultimately like to achieve is the next part.
As human beings, we crave both purpose and creativity.
Dreaming BIG breaks the constraints of the mind and allows us to think more freely without judgement.
When you throw doubt and self-questioning into the mix, you may lose confidence. You may even question yourself on the same premises that are indeed supposed to be the tools that help you. Inserting the S.M.A.R.T. goals strategy too soon may have you judging and second-guessing whether your big longer-term goals are achievable and realistic.
This is counterproductive!
Instead, create meaning aligned with the dreams to which you can connect!
What Kind of Goals Are Pointless?
Goals devoid of meaning are pointless.
Having goals that keep you busy (so you feel better ticking them off your list) does not aid your growth and development as part of your life's journey and strategic process. What it does add is a great distraction.
Starting with S.M.A.R.T. goals might have you hitting more of your goals out of the park. But more than likely, the side effect is that you're playing small. This will not move you to another level.
Instead, you must begin with your destiny.
Start with the "why" and the "what." This will give you the excitement and the spark that lights that fire within you. The "how" comes later. Without knowing your "why," you merely have a life full of busywork—more like a doctor-prescribed checklist.
That's not exciting for anyone, and it definitely will not push you toward goal fulfillment.
Live a bold, courageous, intentional, visionary, value-filled life you LOVE!
Make that decision for yourself today.
Dream the impossible Dream—if you need permission, then I now give you full permission!😉
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Hi! I’m Amanda Da Silva.
I’m a mother of two boys, a wife, daughter, teacher, entrepreneur, former CEO, and life-long learner. I’m all about personal growth, community 💕, and being of service. (Find out more about me here.) In addition to being passionate about personal development, I’m an educator and coach with 20-years experience teaching and leading in the BC school system. I have a B.Hkin, B.Ed, and M.Ed, specializing in leadership and administration. Creating community and leading thriving teams are two of my favourite things to do. I also love helping people live empowered and growth-oriented lives.
I hope you’ll join me as we build our success together! 🙌
