Focus on Physicians:
Insights, Ideas, and Strategies
Setting SMART Goals: A Guide for Physicians
If you’re a physician, you’re no stranger to goal setting. You wouldn’t have gotten to where you are now without setting some very specific and actionable goals. But once you’ve gotten through your training, landed a position in your specialty, and begun the process of living your own life, your goal setting muscle may have atrophied a little. Fortunately, there’s a template that you can follow that breaks the goal-setting process down into clear and manageable parts. In this article, I’ll walk you through the process of setting SMART goals that matter to you.
An earlier version of this article appeared on this website in May, 2024
If you’re a physician, you’re no stranger to goal setting. Reaching this point in your professional life took focus, intention, and years of steady effort.
But over time, you may have noticed that your goal-setting muscle has atrophied a little, while at the same time, the guardrails that once shaped your direction have fallen away. No matter where you are now or where you hope to be in the future, there is no longer a prescribed path to follow. If you seek growth or change, creating the map is now up to you.
Unlike the well-worn trail you may have followed in the past, you now have the opportunity to shape your new direction though your own unique talents, interests, and vision. As Joseph Campbell warned, in his book The Power of Myth, “If the path before you is clear, you're probably on someone else's.”
This period of contemplation is often the point where forward momentum stalls, even as you feel drawn toward new possibilities and something more fulfilling. There is a way through, and it begins with setting goals. In this article, I’ll tell you about SMART goals, and how they can help you design a life that’s true to your values and your dreams.
If choosing, planning, and carrying out your own goals feels daunting, you’re not alone. Professional, financial, personal, physical, or even spiritual goals can all compete for your attention. Where do you start? And what can you expect along the way? How do you know if you’re doing it “right”? As with so many other life skills, it’s likely that no one ever taught you how to set goals.
Clear goal setting lays the groundwork for your success and keeps you moving forward, so knowing how to set realistic goals that matter is crucial. A study of medical students in a surgical clerkship found that those who set clear and specific skill-related goals were more likely to get the outcomes they desired, compared with those who just hoped for the best. And goal setting may also reduce your cognitive load, meaning that you have use less mental effort to get the work done.
SMART goals offer a practical framework that breaks the goal-setting process down into clear and manageable parts. Innovators and movers in the business world have been using this tool for years, and it’s something that can work for physicians as well. In this article, I’ll walk you through the process of setting SMART goals that are realistic, meaningful, and aligned with what matters most to you.
The SMART Goal Method
SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. To get started, set aside a block of uninterrupted time to reflect honestly and unguardedly on what you most want to work toward and the outcomes you hope to create. Give yourself at least 30 minutes. Then begin to map your goals using the SMART framework that I outline below.
Writing out your goals by hand can make the process more powerful. Research suggests that physically writing goals increases follow-through compared with typing them into a document or app.
Specific
Get as clear as possible about your goal. As author Jack Canfield puts it, “vague goals produce vague results.” Define your goal in one or two concise sentences.
Framing your goal in positive language can also increase motivation, making it more likely that you’ll get it done. For example, instead of deciding you want to get out of an unhappy work environment, you might reframe this goal as moving towards a more fulfilling role.
Measurable
You should be able to track your progress objectively. This might involve a checklist, a habit tracker, specific numbers, or another concrete way to see movement toward your goal.
Attainable
Choose a goal that is realistic and within your control. Attainable means that you take into account your real-world constraints, including time, energy, finances, and cognitive load. The goal should stretch you, but not so much that it sets you up for frustration.
Don’t get too caught up in the idea of your limitations. The magic of the process is that once you reach your first goal, other possibilities that are currently out of reach may open up. In the words of writer Joseph Campbell, “Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls.”
Relevant
To be sustainable, your goal should align with your core values and personal vision. The goal should matter to you, not just to your friends, family, or administrators. It’s great if the goal will make everyone happy, but if it’s not your own, you’ll be less likely to commit to it.
Time-Bound
Without a timeline, it can be hard to get started. That’s just human nature. When you set and commit to a deadline, or even better, a series of deadlines, you’ll create momentum and accountability.
Once you’ve identified your goal, break it down into “micro goals” (sometimes known as process goals) that you can complete within a very short period of time. This progressive completion will help propel you forward, keeping the momentum going.
Sustaining SMART Goals Over Time
As you work toward your goals, don’t forget to notice what you’ve accomplished. Keeping a “done” list can be a great reminder, especially when your time seems to get away from you. Honor your effort by celebrating each small step. Call a friend, take a walk, enjoy a night out, or simply pause to notice your effort. These small (or big) moments of recognition make it easier to stay engaged with your goals, even when progress feels slow.
SMART goals are closely tied to how you use your limited and precious time. Large goals can feel overwhelming, but consistency matters more than intensity. Even ten to fifteen minutes a few days each week can lead to meaningful progress over time.
DISCLAIMER: As an Amazon Associate I may earn from qualifying purchases, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the website, for which I am grateful! Please do your own research before making any important decisions.
If you struggle with time management, I have a number of articles available on the website that may be helpful. They focus on issues that are specifically relevant to physicians and medical practice. If you’re looking for more guidance, my Four Week Focus Shift course is a self-guided way to find focus for the goals that matter. I also offer 3 and 6 month Time Management coaching packages for physicians.
If you’ve enjoyed this article and would like to stay in the loop for more insights on creating a sustainable, fulfilling, and happy life as a physician, sign up for my newsletter or reach out on my website. I’d love to hear from you.
And if you’d like to schedule a complimentary introductory meeting with me, click the link below.
References
Campbell, J., & Moyers, B. (2011). The Power of Myth. Anchor.
Doran, G.T. (1981) There’s a SMART Way to Write Management’s Goals and Objectives. Journal of Management Review, 70, 35-36.
Etkin, J. (2019). Time in relation to goals. Current Opinion in Psychology, 26, 32–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2018.04.013
Gardner, A. K., Diesen, D. L., Hogg, D. C., & Huerta, S. (2016). The impact of goal setting and goal orientation on performance during a clerkship surgical skills training program. the American Journal of Surgery, 211(2), 321–325. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjsurg.2015.07.028
Locke, Edwin & Latham, Gary. (2002). Building a Practically Useful Theory of Goal Setting and Task Motivation: A 35Year Odyssey. American Psychologist. 57. 705-717. 10.1037/0003-066X.57.9.705.
Nebel, S., Schneider, S., Schledjewski, J., & Rey, G. D. (2016). Goal-Setting in educational video games. Simulation & Gaming, 48(1), 98–130. https://doi.org/10.1177/1046878116680869
Oscarsson M, Carlbring P, Andersson G, Rozental A. A large-scale experiment on New Year's resolutions: Approach-oriented goals are more successful than avoidance-oriented goals. PLoS One. 2020 Dec 9;15(12):e0234097. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234097. PMID: 33296385; PMCID: PMC7725288.
Van Der Weel, F. R., & Van Der Meer, A. L. H. (2024). Handwriting but not typewriting leads to widespread brain connectivity: a high-density EEG study with implications for the classroom. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1219945
Define Your Values to Create Your Ideal Life a Physician
Your values are integral to your identity. They’re the deeply personal forces that shape your decisions, your relationships, and the way you move through the world. And although they are fundamental to who you are, it’s surprisingly easy to drift out of alignment with them. In this article, I’ll guide you through a simple exercise that will help you clarify your personal values.
An earlier version of this article appeared on this website in January, 2023
Your values are integral to your identity. They’re the deeply personal forces that shape your decisions, your relationships, and the way you move through the world. And although your values are fundamental to who you are, it’s surprisingly easy to drift out of alignment with them. Responsibilities, expectations, and the sheer momentum of daily pressures can pull you off course.
When you take time to clarify and name your values, you may find that they readily crystallize into five or six core ideas. These become the anchors that bring your life meaning, purpose, and steadiness.
In this article, I’ll guide you through a simple exercise that will help you clarify your personal values. As your bring your values into the light, your awareness will sharpen and your decisions will start to feel more intuitive and connected. You’ll recognize which of your many opportunities are worth a wholehearted “yes,” which ones deserve a thoughtful “no,” and how to move toward your next step, even when the path seems rocky and untraveled.
First, Define Your Values
The first step towards living your values is to define them. This can feel a little unnecessary at first, since you likely know intuitively what matters to you. But putting a name to your values and seeing them written out in black and white can be surprisingly illuminating.
For this exercise, think of a value as a single word that captures an idea, a belief, or a way of being in the world. I’ve created a list of values for you to get started with. You can find them here. Or you can get a guided Values Workbook for free when you sign up for my newsletter.
Go through the list and circle the values that speak most strongly to you. Don’t overthink it. Your values may change over time, and that’s completely normal. There are no right or wrong, or good or bad, answers.
Once you have circled your top values, write them out. Take a good look at what you have written and see if you can narrow them down into five groups. From there, discover what themes emerge. These are your core values.
Next, Put Your Values into Action
Now, thinking about your core values, consider how you might choose to elevate these values in your daily life. Don’t try to make sweeping changes. Instead, think of small actions or choices that might more completely align your values with your life.
If you notice a wide gap between your values and the way you’re currently living, it may be a sign to pause and reassess your path.
Translating values into daily practice isn’t always straightforward. If it feels cumbersome or misaligned, you don’t have to navigate this process alone. A physician coach can be a valuable partner, helping you build deeper self-awareness and explore options that will help you to honor your unique values and aspirations.
If you’ve enjoyed this article and would like to stay in the loop for more insights on creating a sustainable, fulfilling, and happy life as a physician, sign up for my newsletter or reach out on my website. I’d love to hear from you.
And if you’d like to schedule a complimentary introductory meeting with me, click the link below.
My Podcast Interview with James Nutter of IM Wealth: The Power of Living Your Values
I had such an interesting conversation with James Nutter of IM Wealth on his podcast A Life Well Lived: A Physician's Guide to Wealth. We talked about the power of knowing, and living, your personal values. Your values are your guide to fulfilling goal setting as well as a North Star when planning for a purposeful retirement. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did!
I had such an interesting conversation with James Nutter of IM Wealth on his podcast A Life Well Lived: A Physician's Guide to Wealth. We talked about the power of knowing, and living by, your personal values. And I shared my template for creating your own personal mission statement.
Your values are your guide to fulfilling goal setting as well as a North Star when planning for a purposeful retirement. As a coach, I’ve been inspired by the insight that emerges when my clients are able to give name to their own personal values.
James specializes in holistic financial guidance for physicians. He has a deep understanding of the unique challenges that physicians face, and the potential pitfalls that can get in the way of a life well lived.
We had a wide-ranging discussion, including our shared love of yoga, the power of mindfulness, and how a simple act of taking a pause can create presence and connection. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did!
You can find our conversation anywhere you listen to podcasts, or through the Spotify link below.