What are HARD goals?
Setting goals is an important part of personal development. HARD goals are types of goals that are more challenging, but they also provide a greater sense of fulfillment and achievement when they are accomplished. In this toolkit, we will explore the importance of setting HARD goals and how they can help us reach our full potential.
HARD stands for Heartfelt, Animated, Required, and Difficult.
Heartfelt
The first aspect of HARD goals is that they are heartfelt. This means that they are aligned with our values, passions, and purpose. When we set goals that are meaningful to us, we are more likely to be motivated and committed to achieving them.
To ensure your goal is heartfelt, try to answer these questions as you create your goal:
What are my core values?
What are my passions and interests?
What is my life purpose?
What goals align with my values, passions, and purpose?
For example, if someone is passionate about environmental conservation, they might set a goal to reduce their carbon footprint by a certain percentage. This goal is heartfelt because it aligns with their values and passion for the environment.
Animated
The second aspect of HARD goals is that they are animated. This means that they inspire and motivate us to take action. When we set goals that are exciting and challenging, we are more likely to be energized and enthusiastic about working towards them.
Try to answer these questions:
What inspires and motivates me?
What challenges me?
What goals excite me?
What goals make me feel energized and enthusiastic?
For example, if someone has a goal to run a marathon, the challenge of training and completing the race can be both intimidating and exhilarating.
Required
The third aspect of HARD goals is that they are required. This means that they are not just something we want to do, but something we must do. When we set goals that are required, we are more likely to be committed and dedicated to achieving them.
Ask yourself these questions when determining if your goal is required:
What are the most important things I need to achieve in my life?
What are the things I must do to live my best life?
What are the goals that will have the biggest impact on my life?
For example, if someone is struggling with a health condition, they might set a goal to adopt a healthier lifestyle to manage their condition effectively. This goal is required because it is necessary for their overall health and well-being.
Difficult
The final aspect of HARD goals is that they are difficult. This means that they are challenging and require a high level of commitment and perseverance to achieve. When we set difficult goals, we are more likely to stretch ourselves and develop new skills and abilities.
Try to answer these questions when determining if a goal is difficult:
What are my strengths and weaknesses?
What skills do I need to develop to achieve my goals?
What challenges have I faced in the past, and how did I overcome them?
What goals will push me outside of my comfort zone and help me grow?
For example, if someone has a goal to start a business, the process of building a successful enterprise can be challenging and require a lot of hard work and dedication.
What is the difference between SMART and HARD goals?
HARD and SMART goals are both goal-setting frameworks that help individuals set and achieve their goals. However, there are some differences between the two.
The main difference is that HARD goals focus on the personal and emotional aspects of goal-setting, while SMART goals are more focused on the specific and measurable aspects of goal-setting.
HARD goals are aligned with the individual's values, passions, and purpose, and are meant to inspire and motivate them to take action. HARD goals are also meant to be challenging and difficult, requiring a high level of commitment and perseverance to achieve. They are based on the individual's values and passions.
SMART goals are meant to be more concrete and objective, with specific criteria that can be measured to determine whether the goal has been achieved or not. SMART goals are based on specific criteria that can be measured and evaluated objectively
Both frameworks can be useful in helping individuals set and achieve their goals, and which framework is best suited depends on the individual's needs and goals.
HARD = Values, passions, and purpose SMART = Objective, measured and concrete
HARD goals are important for personal and professional growth because they provide a more significant level of challenge and fulfillment. By setting goals that are heartfelt, animated, required, and difficult, we are more likely to stay motivated, committed, and dedicated to achieving them.
HARD goals help us tap into our full potential and develop new skills and abilities. Therefore, it is essential to set HARD goals that align with our values, passions, and purpose, and push us beyond our limits to achieve something truly meaningful and worthwhile.
Best of luck for your goal setting adventures!
Emma