Why Your Goal Framework Matters
Most people don’t fail at goals because they’re lazy. They fail because they don’t have the right framework. Without structure, a goal is just a wish. With the wrong structure, it can feel forced, overwhelming, or completely disconnected from your purpose.
That’s where goal-setting frameworks come in. They give your goals shape, clarity, and direction. Two popular approaches are SMART goals and HEART goals. Both can be powerful—but they work best for different kinds of people.
This guide will walk you through each framework, the pros and cons, and how to decide which one will help you actually achieve what matters most.
What Are SMART Goals?
SMART goals are the classic, most widely-used framework. The acronym stands for:
- Specific – Your goal is clear and well-defined.
- Measurable – You can track progress.
- Achievable – It’s realistic given your time and resources.
- Relevant – It matters to your overall priorities and values.
- Time-bound – It has a clear deadline.
Example: Instead of saying “I want to get fit,” a SMART goal would be:
“Walk 8,000 steps, five days a week, for the next three months.”
Why SMART Works
- Provides clarity and structure.
- Easy to track progress (numbers, timelines).
- Keeps goals realistic and grounded.
Where SMART Falls Short
- Can feel too rigid or clinical.
- Doesn’t always inspire—checking boxes isn’t the same as feeling fulfilled.
- Risk: chasing goals that are “achievable” but not meaningful.
I love the idea of SMART goals. I use this framework often when setting my personal goals. It can be a challenge, though, to build in flexibility without feeling like you’re not on track. For example, when tracking weight loss or fitness goals, the natural body fluctuations can mean there isn’t a straight downward line on the scales.
One week you’re down a kilo, the next week you’re up half a kilo—even though you’ve been consistent. If you only look at the numbers, it can feel discouraging, like you’re “failing” the SMART goal. But if you zoom out, the trend is still moving in the right direction.
That’s where I’ve learned to add a little HEART into the process. Instead of only focusing on the measurable outcome (the number on the scales), I tie the goal to a deeper value, like feeling strong, healthy, and having more energy for travel. That way, even when the numbers wobble, the purpose behind the goal keeps me motivated.
What Are HEART Goals?
HEART goals are a newer, values-based approach. The acronym stands for:
- Honest – Aligned with your true self.
- Energising – Excites you, sparks motivation.
- Aligned – Matches your values and purpose.
- Realistic – Challenging but possible.
- Time-framed – Has a clear timeline.
Example: Instead of saying “I want to save money,” a HEART goal would be:
“Save $2,000 by December to fund a road trip that gives me freedom and adventure.”
Why HEART Works
- Connects directly to your values and purpose.
- More motivating—goals feel exciting, not just like chores.
- Builds resilience because the “why” behind the goal matters deeply.
Where HEART Falls Short
- Can feel vague without enough structure.
- Harder to measure progress compared to SMART.
- Risk: being energised but not practical about what’s possible.
HEART goals feel different for me. They’re not just about hitting numbers or ticking boxes—they’re about connecting to what really lights me up.
For example, when I set the goal to visit every lighthouse on the Australian mainland, it wasn’t SMART in the traditional sense. I didn’t have a precise timeline or a measurable weekly milestone. But it was a HEART goal through and through: it was Honest (it came from my love of travel), Energising (I get excited every time I plan the next trip), Aligned (it connects to my values of freedom and adventure), Realistic (I knew I could get there over time), and Time-framed (I loosely aimed to complete it within a few years).
That goal gives me energy even when life is messy or unpredictable. It doesn’t matter if I tick off one lighthouse this month or three—it’s the sense of purpose and joy behind the goal that keeps me going.
SMART vs HEART: Head vs Heart
Think of SMART as the head and HEART as the heart.
- SMART appeals to logic and structure.
- HEART appeals to meaning and purpose.
The best goals often combine both. For example:
- SMART: “Publish one blog post every week for three months.”
- HEART: “Share my experiences and tools to inspire women who feel stuck.”
Together, this becomes:
“Publish one blog post every week for three months that shares practical tools for women navigating loved ones’ addictions—so they feel supported and less alone.”
Which Framework Is Right for You?
Choose SMART if you:
- Like structure, clarity, and measurable progress.
- Tend to get lost in big visions and need specifics to ground you.
- Want goals that are practical and achievable.
Choose HEART if you:
- Need inspiration more than structure.
- Want your goals tied to your deeper values and purpose.
- Struggle with motivation when goals feel too clinical or external.
What I’ve found most powerful is blending SMART and HEART together. SMART gives me the structure, HEART gives me the fuel.
For example, when I wanted to grow my Happiness is a Decision blog, I could have set a purely SMART goal like:
“Publish one blog post every Tuesday for the next three months.”
That’s Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
But if I only looked at it that way, it would feel like another task on the to-do list. The HEART side reminded me why it mattered: “Sharing my ideas and experiences helps women who feel stuck realise they’re not alone, and that happiness is still possible.”
So together the goal became:
“Publish one blog post every Tuesday for the next three months that shares practical tools and personal stories to inspire women who feel stuck — so they feel supported and less alone.”
That way I had the clarity of SMART, but also the energy and meaning of HEART.
How to Combine SMART and HEART
You don’t have to choose one forever. In fact, the most powerful goals use both frameworks.
Here’s how:
- Start with HEART – connect your goal to your values and purpose.
- Shape it with SMART – add structure, clarity, and timelines.
Example:
- HEART: “I want to feel stronger and healthier so I can enjoy travelling with energy.”
- SMART: “Complete three strength workouts per week for the next 12 weeks.”
Together:
“Complete three strength workouts per week for the next 12 weeks so I can feel stronger and healthier, with more energy for travelling.”
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Only SMART: You hit the target but feel empty—it wasn’t meaningful.
- Only HEART: You feel inspired but don’t make progress—no structure.
- Overloading: Setting too many goals at once.
- Perfectionism: Expecting to do it all perfectly—progress matters more.
I am still learning not to overload myself with goals. I get excited when I’m in planning mode—full of motivation and optimism. But then reality kicks in. I’ve discovered I simply don’t have the time or energy to juggle more than two or three main goals at once.
What happens? Some goals get neglected, progress stalls, and I end up feeling like I’m failing across the board. It’s disheartening and can rob me of the motivation I had at the start.
Now I’ve learned to scale back and focus on fewer, more meaningful goals. By doing less, I actually achieve more—and it feels far more sustainable.
Final Thoughts: SMART, HEART, or Both?
At the end of the day, the “best” framework is the one you’ll actually use. If you thrive on structure, SMART will help. If you need energy and meaning, HEART will keep you going. And if you want goals that stick long-term, combine both.
Because the real secret isn’t about head or heart—it’s about making your goals serve you, not the other way around.
📖 Want more? Read my full guide: Goal Setting with Purpose
📥 Download the free Purposeful Goal Setting Worksheet to discover your values, choose your framework, and build goals that actually stick.
- How to Find Your Core Values (and Why They Matter for Goal Setting) - October 14, 2025
- SMART vs HEART Goals: Which Framework Works Best for You? - October 7, 2025
- Goal Setting with Purpose: The Ultimate Guide to Goals That Stick - September 30, 2025
