Ditch SMART Goals: Why S.P.E.A.K. Is the Goal-Setting Upgrade You Need

Dec 11

Goal setting—let’s be honest—is something everyone talks about this time of year. Whether it’s your social media feeds or all the new planners and workshops popping up, there’s no escaping the pressure of setting goals. And don't get me wrong, I love goal setting. It’s a powerful tool for growth, and I’ve been doing it every year. But for the longest time, I struggled to find a process that actually worked for me, one that reflected my personality, my life, and my goals.

In fact, I spent years using goal-setting systems that didn’t stick. I’d sign up for goal-setting workshops, grab free templates, and download courses, but none of them seemed to keep me motivated. I’d end up googling “goals to set for the new year,” writing down 18 things to do, and then... nothing happened.

Sound familiar?

That’s when I realized I needed something different—a way to set goals that felt exciting, achievable, and personal. I wanted a system that didn’t just focus on the outcome but also the process. After months of thinking it over, I created the S.P.E.A.K. goal-setting framework—designed to give you goals that inspire, excite, and actually fit into your life. And today, I’m breaking it down for you so you can kick-start your goals for the year ahead.

The Problem with Traditional Goal-Setting Frameworks

Most of the frameworks we see today are based on the SMART goal method, which has been around forever. While functional, it’s also pretty dry and feels very corporate. It focuses on the end result without emphasizing the journey, which is where the magic happens.

The S.P.E.A.K. framework is different. It’s designed to be inspiring, personal, and actionable, helping you set goals that feel like a true reflection of where you are and where you want to be. Let’s dive into the S.P.E.A.K. framework:

The S.P.E.A.K. Framework Breakdown

S = Specific

A goal needs to be clear and precise. For example, “get fit” is a wish, not a goal. But “do one pull-up” is specific and measurable. When setting your goals, ask yourself: What exactly do I want to accomplish? The more specific you can get, the better.

Examples:

“Run a 5K” vs. “Get fit.”
“Make $100,000 in my business this year” vs. “Increase sales.”
“Read 25 books in 2025” vs. “Read more.”

When you’re specific, you’ll know exactly when you’ve hit your goal.

P = Process

This is where the magic happens. The process is about what you can do daily, weekly, or monthly to move you toward your goal. As a behavioral change specialist, I know the importance of building habits and routines. You can’t always control the outcome of a goal, but you can control the actions that get you there.

For example:

If your goal is to make $100,000, your process could be sending two sales emails a week or reaching out to five leads every Friday.
If your goal is to run a half marathon, your process would be sticking to a training plan.

By focusing on the process, you’ll build habits that make your goal feel inevitable.

E = Exciting

If your goal doesn’t fire you up, you won’t stick to it. Goals need to be exciting and motivating. When you imagine the feeling of reaching your goal, it should make you feel energized, empowered, and excited for the future.

Your goals should make you think, “Hell yes! I want that!” They should be ambitious yet achievable, so you’re motivated and excited to do the work required to make them happen.

Action step: Think about your big goal and visualize how amazing it will feel to achieve it. What does that success look like for you?

A = Aligned

I’ve been guilty of setting goals based on what others were doing or what I thought I “should” want. But your goals need to be aligned with your values, your life, and your long-term vision. For example, if your goal is to make $15,000 to pay off debt, that’s your goal—don’t feel pressured to make it $100,000 just because other people are doing it.

Aligned goals reflect what matters most to you, and they are shaped by your personal vision for the life you want to create.

K = Keep Track

This is crucial. You need a system for tracking your progress and reviewing your goals regularly. Without accountability, goals can slip through the cracks, and that’s when the frustration sets in. But when you track your progress, you can celebrate small wins and make adjustments when things aren’t working.

Here’s how to track:

Use a digital tracker, a notebook, or a spreadsheet.
Schedule regular check-ins—whether weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly—to see how you’re progressing.
Keep your goals visible, so you never forget them!

Tip: Track your progress without judgment. If you didn’t hit your goal this week, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, adjust your process and move forward with a fresh perspective.

Putting S.P.E.A.K. into Action: Examples

Let’s look at how this framework can apply to real-life goals. Here are some examples of how you can use the S.P.E.A.K. framework for setting achievable and inspiring goals:

Example 1: Starting a Coaching Business

S (Specific): Serve 10 clients in my group coaching program.
P (Process): Spend 2 hours a week creating content, send two sales emails per week, DM five leads every Friday, and participate in one bundle per quarter.
E (Exciting): Visualize leaving my 9-5 job, being my own boss, and helping people transform their lives.
A (Aligned): This fits my desire for financial freedom and family flexibility.
K (Keep Track): Track leads and outreach in a journal or spreadsheet, celebrate each new client, and review progress weekly.

Example 2: Paying Off Debt

S (Specific): Pay off $10,000 of credit card debt by December.
P (Process): Set a budget, put $150 a month toward debt, and review spending weekly.
E (Exciting): Imagine the weight lifted when you're debt-free and what you could do with the money you save.
A (Aligned): This supports your value of financial security for your family.
K (Keep Track): Use a debt tracker template and celebrate every milestone along the way.

Example 3: Getting Healthier

S (Specific): Lose 15 pounds by June.
P (Process): Meal prep on Sundays, track food intake, and work out four days a week.
E (Exciting): Visualize feeling more energetic, playing with your kids, and tackling your day with confidence.
A (Aligned): This supports your long-term goal of living a healthy life with your family.
K (Keep Track): Use an app or journal to log workouts and meals, and celebrate small wins along the way.

Common Goal-Setting Mistakes to Avoid

Setting Projects Instead of Goals: For example, "Build a website" is a project, not a goal. Your goal might be to “Launch my coaching business by March,” and building the website is part of the process.
Focusing Only on Outcomes: You can’t always control the outcome, but you can control the process. Focus on the daily actions that will get you to your goal.
Setting Too Many Goals: Avoid the “18 goals for the new year” approach. Focus on 1-3 goals that matter most to you, and give them your full attention.
Not Tracking Your Progress: Regularly track your progress to stay on track. It doesn’t need to be fancy, but it does need to be consistent.

Ready to Set Goals That Actually Stick?

If you're ready to dive deeper into goal-setting and take action on your dreams, 2025 is your year. By using the S.P.E.A.K. framework, you’ll set goals that feel good, align with your life, and are achievable.

And if you’re ready for more support as you start your business, check out my Exit Strategy for Corporate Moms program. It's designed to help busy, full-time working moms build a business that fits their life. With a step-by-step checklist, weekly coaching calls, and a supportive community, you’ll get the help you need to achieve your goals—without the burnout.