Think of goals as investments—your time is a limited resource so your choice in how you will “spend” it is powerful. To be worthy of your energy and focus goals should move you closer to your heart-felt dreams. H.E.A.R.T. Goals are distinct from other types of goals in that they are lit up from the inside—you can feel the difference. Working on a H.E.A.R.T. Goal will make you feel one or more of these:

H—Happy
E—Energized
A—Accomplished
R—Resilient
T—Transformed

H.E.A.R.T. Goal Acid Test Questions

When considering a goal, ask yourself:

Does this goal light up my soul? Goals must have enough juice to light that internal spark of exhilaration inside you. Even mundane goals can be put in their bigger context to see how they serve your life. Saving money now for a trip to Hawaii later for instance.

Is this goal coming from inside or outside? Goals that are born from what we “should” be doing are anemic and unsustainable. It may be time to let go of goals based on someone else’s opinion or conventional wisdom if they don’t align with what lights you up.

How can I make this goal bite-sized? Success builds momentum. It’s important to break bigger or more long-term goals into smaller increments. Focusing on and completing three steps at a time is a satisfying and doable way to tackle an otherwise overwhelming goal.

How will I measure progress? It’s motivating to see tangible progress so make sure that you mark your starting point, define the finish line and build in milestones so you can track your successes. Working in plenty of self-acknowledgement and rewards along the way will help keep you motivated.

Am I working toward something? It’s much more energizing to frame goals in terms of things you want to approach rather than things you want to avoid. Think “organize so I’m more efficient and peaceful” rather than “clean up that messy office.”

Self-Forgiveness, Acceptance and Love

If you set a goal that you don’t complete, revisit the goal and adjust it or abandon it without self-judgment. Remember, your life is like a science experiment! Use the information you gleaned from the experience to refine your goals going forward. Maybe you weren’t ready for the uncompleted goal or it wasn’t really “juicy” enough for you after all. If you still want the outcome—get creative and revise the action steps to ones that work better for your life. This is you investing in you.

Deb Purdy, is a transformation coach, speaker, workshop leader and author of
Something Gained: 7 Shifts to Be Stronger, Smarter and Happier After Divorce.

Visit www.DebPurdy.com for more information.
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