SMART - Using Psychologically Effective Goals for More Motivation and Musical Success

The SMART method describes how goals must be defined to be psychologically motivating and effectively pursued. How can musicians use the SMART method for their own success and, in the process, learn motivation and reduce self-doubt?

The SMART method is often used in various fields, including management, project planning, and personal development. The acronym "SMART" stands for a project and personal management method for formulating goals that are clear, precise, and effective. It helps to avoid ambiguities and chart the path to success. Musicians, especially during their studies but also later in their careers, are often self-reliant or, at the very least, need to organize their projects and practice independently. SMART goals can be beneficial in this regard.

Each letter in "SMART" has a specific meaning:

SMART - What are psychologically motivating and effective goals?

S - Specific

A goal should be concrete and clearly articulated. It should precisely describe what is to be achieved to avoid any confusion. A vague goal like "Being successful" or "getting better" is not specific, while "Releasing an album with ten self-written songs within one year" is specific. Specific goals can be of a more general nature, such as focusing on specific aspects of career development (e.g., improving stage presence in solo performances, enhancing breathing technique in fast-paced pieces), or they can relate to specific projects ("Memorize measures 14-26 in piece XY").

M - Measurable

A goal should be measurable, meaning it can be quantified, and progress can be tracked. It allows you to determine the degree of success. For example, "being able to play the 1st movement of the sonata at 60 beats per minute by memory" is a measurable goal.

A - Achievable

A goal should be achievable and realistic in terms of the abilities and resources available. It's important to take on challenges, but unrealistic goals can be frustrating. For instance, the goal of "becoming globally famous" might not be immediately achievable :-). Students should discuss the "achievable" aspect with their teacher to set appropriate goals of varying durations (week, month, year, etc.).

R - Relevant (Relevant)

A goal should be relevant and meaningful to your long-term plans and values. It should fit into the context of your larger goals. For example, it's relevant to "improve intonation in piece XY" if you have to perform this piece in an exam or concert, or "learn orchestral excerpts" if you're applying for orchestra positions.

T - Time-bound

A goal should have a specific end date to establish a clear timeframe for achieving the goal. This helps maintain motivation and monitor progress. For instance, the goal "by December 31st of this year" is a time-bound goal. Even better, goals can be organized by relevance and broken down into sub-goals based on their size.

Self-Reflection and Adjustment

It makes a lot of sense to write down the goals you've defined for yourself, either by yourself or with your teacher. You can do this in an practice journal or on the note pages of a calendar, for example. It's advisable to differentiate between long-term goals (months, years) and short-term goals that may be necessary to get a piece performance-ready in three weeks, for instance. I highly recommend planning short-term goals on a weekly basis and reflecting on them at the beginning of each week: What goals did I achieve last week? Which ones didn't I achieve, or only partially? Were some goals perhaps too easy or too difficult (too large, too long-term), or were some not measurable at all? Based on this, you can then set your goals for the next week - always keeping project deadlines in mind. You'll quickly realize that this approach not only makes your practice more efficient because, once planned, you know exactly what you need to do for the week, but it also helps in tracking your progress effectively. Long-term goals, for instance, can be evaluated and reflected on a monthly basis (What went well? What needs improvement? What is still pending?). After defining your goals, the next step is to determine which techniques, tasks, or practice methods will help you achieve these goals.

Positive psychological side effects

1. Increased Motivation: Setting clear and achievable goals can boost your motivation. When you see progress and accomplishment, you are more likely to stay motivated and committed to your music practice.

2. Enhanced Self-Esteem: Achieving your goals, even small ones, can improve your self-esteem and self-confidence. It reinforces the belief in your abilities and builds a positive self-image.

3. Reduced Stress: Having a plan and clear objectives can reduce the stress associated with practicing music. You'll feel more in control of your progress, which can lower anxiety levels.

4. Improved Focus and Concentration: SMART goal-setting requires you to concentrate on specific tasks. This can enhance your ability to focus during practice sessions, making them more productive.

5. Sense of Accomplishment: Meeting your goals gives you a sense of achievement and satisfaction. This positive feeling can motivate you to set and achieve even more

Viel Erfolg :-) !!