SMARTER-action normally puts one in front of any competition!

SMARTER is an acronym - that is - a word composed by joining letters from different words in a phrase or set of words. Within a AltanaESP Network & System context, SMARTER implies a smarter disposition (i.e action models or habits) when a person is pursuing SMART objectives and goals in life…

• Specific: = It's difficult to know what one should be doing, if we are to pursue a generic goal to e.g. “work harder”. It's much easier to recognize and channel one's energy towards doing something specific - for example - “Writing a paper”.
• Measurable: = It's difficult to know exactly what the scope of “Writing a paper” actually implies. It's much easier to estimate and target objectives, when the goal is “Write a 30-page paper”.
• Acceptable: = If we have to accept responsibility to actively pursue a goal, the goal - and accompanied objectives - should be acceptable and meaningful for us. For example… we aren't likely to follow the directions of someone telling us to write a 30-page paper, when we also has 10 other papers to write. However, when we are involved in setting the goal, which will allow us (by meaningful decision making) to reschedule our other commitments or adapt/modify the original goal. In such a case, we are far more likely to accept the responsibility and be dedicated in pursuing the goal.
• Realistic: = Even when we accepts the responsibility to pursue a goal, that is both specific and measurable, the goal won't be of any real use and purpose, when - for example - the goal is to “Write a 30-page paper in the next 20 seconds” …enough said on realistic goals.
• Time frame: = It may be more beneficial - for others - when you commit to a realistic goal of “Write a 30-page paper in 30 days time”, especially if others are either assisting, guiding, co-create or collaborate with you to reach the intended goal. Providing… that you will write one page a day for the next 30 days, rather than writing all 30 pages on the last day of the 30-day period.
• Extending: = The goal should stretch and challenge our current capabilities. For example, we might be much more interested in writing a 30-page paper, when the topic of the paper or the manner in which we structure, layout and write the paper, will extend or sharpen our present skills, abilities, capabilities and competencies (i.e. we gain something by learning).
• Rewarding: = We will be more inclined to write the paper, when the final “product” will contribute to something in such a way, that we might be either rewarded or acknowledge for our contribution (i.e. co-creation, sharing, cooperation… however, NOT necessarily in monetary or materialistic terms).