The SPEM Model: A Dynamic Alternative to SMART

Beyond Logic: When Goals Need Soul

The SMART methodology is an exceptional tool for providing structure and clarity to our objectives.

However, its eminently logical and pragmatic approach can sometimes be a bit cold or uninspiring for certain personalities.

Sometimes, meeting all the SMART criteria is not enough if the objective lacks an emotional spark that drives us to action.

To complement this need, there are alternative models such as the SPEM model, which focuses on the motivational and emotional aspects of goal setting.

This approach does not seek to replace SMART, but rather to enrich it, ensuring that our goals are not only well planned, but also charged with the energy and passion necessary to overcome the inevitable challenges we will encounter along the way.

A SPEM goal is one that resonates with our deepest part, becoming a constant source of inspiration.

S for "Scary": Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone

The first letter of the acronym, the "S," stands for Scary, which translates as frightening or, more constructively, challenging.

A truly transformative goal must take us out of our comfort zone.

It should generate a slight sense of vertigo, that internal question of "will I really be able to achieve this?".

This sense of fear is not a signal to stop, but an indication that we are aiming high enough to grow.

Goals that feel too comfortable and safe rarely inspire us to do our best.

In contrast, a goal that challenges us activates our potential, forces us to learn new skills and develop greater resilience.

The key is for fear to be exhilarating, not paralyzing.

It's the kind of challenge that, while intimidating, also excites us with the possibility of bettering ourselves.

P & E for "Positive" and "Exciting": The Energy of Desire

The next two components, the "P" for Positive and the "E" for Exciting (or Emotional), focus on the power of language and emotion.

A goal should always be phrased in positive terms.

Our brain responds much better to what we want to achieve than to what we want to avoid.

Instead of "stop eating junk food," a positive goal would be "nourish my body with healthy, energetic food five days a week."

In addition, the goal must be genuinely exciting. It must ignite a flame of enthusiasm within us.

This emotional connection is the fuel that will keep us going when the initial motivation wanes.

A goal that doesn't excite us is just another task on our to-do list.

To know if a goal is exciting, we must connect with how we will feel when we achieve it.

If visualizing that future fills us with joy and energy, then we have found a goal with the power to propel us forward.

M and V for "Measurable" and "Visual": Anchoring the Dream in Reality

Finally, for the goal not to remain just a fantasy, we need to anchor it in reality.

This is where the SPEM model intersects with SMART.

The "M" stands for Measurable, an essential criterion to be able to track our progress objectively and know when we have reached the goal.

Without measurability, there is no clear sense of progress, which can be demotivating.

The "V" for Visual (sometimes integrated into the "E" for exciting) underlines the importance of being able to create a vivid mental image of our success.

Our subconscious works with images and sensations.

Being able to visualize in detail how we look and feel having achieved our goal is one of the most powerful motivational tools available.

This mental image acts like a magnet, attracting our actions and decisions towards its achievement.

Creating a vision board with images that represent our goals is a practical way to enhance this effect.

By combining challenge (S), positivity (P), emotion (E), measurement (M) and visualization (V), we create goals that are not only logical plans, but also inspiring missions.

Summary

The SMART methodology is logical, but can sometimes be uninspiring. The SPEM model complements this structure by focusing on the motivational and emotional aspects, ensuring that our goals are charged with the passion needed to overcome challenges.

The "S" in Scary reminds us that a good goal must push us out of our comfort zone. This slight sense of fear is not a sign to stop, but an indication that we are aiming high enough.

The letters "P" (Positive) and "E" (Exciting) focus on the energy of desire. The goal should be phrased in positive terms and, most importantly, should generate genuine enthusiasm that acts as emotional fuel for the journey.