Connect & Grow Magazine: Issue 16: December 2024 - January 2025
We have a special guest writer this month, Anthony Simmons, from Fit n Well Allied Health
When it comes to mental health and goal setting, sometimes it is essential to be open to a different approach. While SMART goals are helpful for many people, they are not for everyone, so a different approach and strategy could be precisely right for you.
We know you will find Anthony’s article interesting……
The new year often inspires us to set goals and reflect on the past year’s aspirations. Unmet goals can lead to frustration, whether it’s reading more, meditating daily, or spending quality time with family. But what if the issue isn’t you but the goal-setting system you’re using?
SMART goals have been the gold standard for years and are popular in workplaces and self-improvement circles. While SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—can be effective, they may feel rigid and uninspiring, particularly for creative thinkers.
Personally, I’ve found them to lack emotion and connection, making them feel more like tasks than meaningful pursuits.
In 2020, I came across a different approach introduced by Ben Bergeron, a renowned CrossFit coach and business owner. Inspired by insights from various experts, Bergeron developed the WHOOPIE framework:
W – Wishing
H – Hoping
O – Outcome
O – Obstacles
P – Plan
I – I am the kind of person that...
E – Execute
So, why WHOOPIE over SMART? One standout feature is visualisation, central to the Outcome step. Visualisation involves imagining yourself achieving the goal, fostering motivation and resilience, especially during setbacks.
Another powerful aspect is the “I” in WHOOPIE: “I am the kind of person that…” This step encourages reflection on whether the goal aligns with your values, lifestyle, and aspirations. It’s not just about achieving something but understanding why it matters to you more deeply.
While SMART goals work for some, I’ve found WHOOPIE goals' emotional depth and creative flexibility more effective. By incorporating visualisation and personal alignment, WHOOPIE goals transform the process into a meaningful journey that resonates with one's identity.
For a detailed explanation of WHOOPIE goals, check out this videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzVE9P5vv48
Written by
Anthony Simons
When faced with questions about eligibility for NDIS funding and what is a psychosocial disability, it might be more helpful to focus on the impact of mental health functioning rather than a mental health diagnosis or condition.
References
Department of Health. (2011). No health without mental health A cross-government mental
Mental Health
(c) Break Free Consultancy 2024
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at the time of publication and subject to change