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What are WISE Goals: A Comprehensive Guide

In the context of goal setting, the right strategy can be as important as the goal itself. You may be familiar with the SMART approach — Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, & Time-Bound. But a newer approach called WISE goals, is gaining traction for its focus on personal meaning and sustained motivation. 

What are WISE Goals?

WISE is a goal-setting technique that stands for Written, Integrated, Synergistic, and Expansive. This framework aims to create goal objectives that are not just achievable, but also meaningful and interconnected. 

Written — Goals are written down so they're clear and real. 

Integrated — Goals fit well with overall plans. 

Synergistic — Goals work together with other aims for better results. 

Expansive — Goals encourage big thinking for growth. 

Which kinds of goals is this technique best for?

WISE goals are particularly effective for: 

1. Personal development objectives 

2. Organizational goals that focus on inspiring its members and bringing community impact 

3. Multiple, interrelated goals 

4. Goals that require long-term vision and motivation 

5. Objectives that prioritize personal growth and fulfillment over mere task completion 

Benefits of using WISE Goals

1. It’s a holistic approach. WISE encourages considering how goals fit into the bigger picture of your life or organization. 

2. It boosts motivation. The expansive nature of WISE goals inspires and energizes. 

3. It promotes interconnectedness. You are encouraged to write goals that work together to maximize efficiency and impact. 

4. It’s flexible. WISE allows for broader, more inspiring objectives that can adapt to changing circumstances. 

5. It encourages personal alignment. WISE ensures that your goals resonate with personal or organizational values and aspirations. 

Photo by Olga Lioncat on Pexels 

How does WISE compare to SMART?

Both approaches have their own strengths and advantages. 

Inspiration vs. Limitation 

While SMART goals can sometimes limit thinking, WISE goals are designed to inspire and encourage expansive thinking. 

Heart vs. Specificity 

SMART goals provide specificity and clear action steps, while WISE goals add an element of emotion and broader vision. 

Integration vs. Isolation 

WISE goals emphasize integrating various objectives, whereas SMART goals might sometimes lead to isolated objectives. 

Synergy vs. Individual focus 

WISE goals promote synergy between different objectives, while SMART goals typically focus on individual targets. 

Flexibility vs. Rigidity 

WISE goals allow for more flexibility and big-picture thinking, whereas SMART goals can sometimes be too rigid or constrained. 

Quality of life focus 

WISE goals seem to place more emphasis on overall quality of life and personal fulfillment, rather than just achieving specific metrics. 

Combining both approaches may sometimes be needed, and even encouraged. This way, goals can have the specificity and actionable nature of SMART goals, while also incorporating the inspirational and holistic aspects of WISE goals. 

Examples of WISE Goals

Example 1: Personal Wellness Transformation 

Goal: Develop a comprehensive wellness routine that improves physical health, mental clarity, and overall life satisfaction. 

Breakdown: 

  • Written — Documented in a wellness journal or app. 
  • Integrated — Combines multiple health-related objectives (hydration, exercise, sleep, reading). 
  • Synergistic — Goals work together to create a holistic wellness routine. 
  • Expansive — Challenges the individual to make significant lifestyle changes. 

Specific steps: 

1. Wake up 45 minutes earlier each day. 

2. Drink a glass of water upon waking. 

3. Listen to an audiobook during a morning jog (30 minutes of exercise). 

4. Drink water before each meal or snack. 

5. Read for 30 minutes daily. 

6. Ensure 7 hours of sleep nightly.

Example 2: Organizational Culture Shift 

Goal: Transform company culture to promote innovation, collaboration, and employee satisfaction. 

Breakdown: 

  • Written — Documented in company mission statement and strategic plan. 
  • Integrated — Aligns with overall business objectives and employee development plans. 
  • Synergistic — Various aspects of culture change support and reinforce each other. 
  • Expansive — Challenges the organization to think beyond traditional metrics. 

Specific steps: 

1. Implement a flexible work policy. 

2. Create cross-departmental project teams. 

3. Establish a mentorship program. 

4. Introduce regular innovation workshops. 

5. Develop a comprehensive employee wellness program. 

6. Implement a feedback system for continuous improvement. 

In both these examples, we demonstrate how WISE goals can be particularly effective for comprehensive life changes or organizational shifts that require sustained motivation and a holistic approach. The framework ensures that the goals are not only achievable but also deeply meaningful and interconnected. 

Final Word

WISE goals offer a refreshing alternative to traditional goal-setting frameworks, emphasizing holistic, interconnected objectives that inspire and motivate. By focusing on written, integrated, synergistic, and expansive elements, WISE goals encourage individuals and organizations to think beyond merely finishing a task to consider the broader impact of their decisions and aspirations.  

While SMART goals excel in specificity and measurability, WISE goals shine in promoting personal alignment, flexibility, and long-term vision. Ultimately, combining aspects of both approaches may yield the most comprehensive and effective goal-setting strategy, balancing concrete action steps with inspirational, big-picture thinking. 

Related: 
What is SMARTER Goal Setting 
What are CLEAR Goals? 

About the Author 

Bernard Boodeea is the CEO of Life Intelligence Group and the original engineer and founder of TaskSpur, a goal management app and passion project. Bernard hopes to incorporate agile principles into the design of products that help individuals achieve their goals in life.  

Download TaskSpur on Android | Download TaskSpur on your iPhone     

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