Beyond SMART: The Soulful Art of Intentional Goal Setting in Midlife Career Change
Let’s get this out of the way: yes, I know you already know what SMART goals are.
Specific. Measurable. Achievable. Relevant. Time-bound.
We’ve all seen the acronym on HR posters, corporate workshops, and a thousand self-help articles. I taught SMART goals for years. And they work—for linear, tactical objectives. But when you’re standing at the intersection of “successful” and “unfulfilled,” when your soul is craving a career with purpose instead of just a paycheck, SMART by itself isn’t enough.
Because here’s the truth: You’re not just managing a project.
You’re redesigning your life.
So, what’s the twist?
Let me introduce you to SMART+.
It’s the classic framework—refined and repurposed for soulful, midlife career pivots. Think of it as goal-setting with guts and grace.
The SMART+ Framework:
S – Soul-Aligned
Your goal must feel authentic. Before it’s specific, ask:
Is this goal aligned with who I’m becoming? With my true nature?
You’re not here to chase someone else’s idea of success. If your next chapter doesn’t resonate at the gut level, no amount of specificity will make it meaningful.
Example:
Instead of “Apply to 10 marketing jobs,” shift to:
“Explore purpose-driven marketing roles at organizations aligned with environmental or mental health advocacy.”
M – Motivated by Meaning
We’re not just measuring success by numbers anymore. Measure by impact and joy. Ask:
Will this move me closer to the kind of life I want to wake up to?
You can still track progress, but the deeper metric is: Does this energize me?
Try this: Keep a weekly “Meaning Meter” journal. Rate your tasks on a 1–10 scale for how meaningful they felt. Patterns will emerge.
A – Adaptive, Not Just Achievable
Midlife comes with curveballs—aging parents, health shifts, economic unpredictability. Instead of rigidly aiming for what’s “achievable,” aim for what’s adaptable.
Does this goal leave room for life to happen without derailing me?
Give yourself permission to flex and adjust. Sustainable change is rarely linear.
Tip: Build in buffer weeks or alternate routes (“If not X, then Y”) to keep forward motion alive.
R – Regenerative
This is where we veer way off traditional paths. Ask:
Will pursuing this goal refill my tank—or drain it?
In your 20s, burnout was a badge. In your 40s? It’s a red flag. Goals now need to support your energy, not just your résumé.
Choose goals that include regular reflection, creativity, connection, or rest. Your nervous system will thank you.
T – Transformational
A time-bound goal is helpful—but don’t stop there. Ask:
Will this goal change me in a meaningful way?
You’re not here to make lateral moves. You’re here to grow into the version of yourself who feels alive, useful, and valued.
Instead of: “Take a UX design course by November.”
Try: “By November, complete a UX course and build a project that solves a real-world issue I care about.”
Putting It All Together: A SMART+ Goal in Action
Old SMART goal:
“Apply to 15 project management jobs within 30 days.”
SMART+ version:
“Over the next 6 weeks, explore and apply to 8–10 project management roles in the nonprofit or sustainability sector. Each week, reflect on how the roles align with my core values and energy. Prioritize applications to organizations where I feel excited about the mission and supported in work-life balance.”
Can you feel the difference? One is a checklist. The other is a compass.
Final Thought: This Is a Rebirth, Not a Rebrand
Career change at this stage of life isn’t about “starting over”—it’s about realigning with the wisdom you’ve earned. SMART+ gives your goals structure, yes, but also soul.
You don’t need to prove your worth anymore. You need to follow your worth—and build a career that honors it.
Keep going.
The next chapter is yours to write.
Want to dive deeper into SMART+ goal setting with coaching exercises?
Subscribe here for my free workbook to kickstart your career change or let’s schedule a career clarity call. This is your time.
Warmly,
Kendra Court
Career Coach | Midlife Reinvention Advocate | A Fellow Seeker of Purpose
