106: "SMART Goals vs. Vector Goals: Which One Belongs in 2026?" ft. Alli Murphy

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In this thought-provoking conversation, Erik and Alli explore a noticeable shift in how people are setting goals in 2026. Instead of laser-focused metrics and traditional SMART goals, more people are choosing intentions, directions, and feelings as their compass. Why? And what does it mean for how we measure success?

Together, they unpack the value of vector-based goals, the emerging trend of process over outcome, and why many high achievers are intentionally ditching rigid measurements in favor of something more sustainable—and possibly more effective.

❓ The Big Question

Are rigid goals still useful, or is it time to rethink how we measure success?

💡 Key Takeaways

• SMART goals aren’t dead—but they’re no longer the only path to growth. Many are shifting to qualitative, process-based goals that align with values rather than numbers.
• Process integrity > Outcome obsession. Focusing too hard on the end result can blind you to the meaningful work already being done.
• Goals as vectors. Picking a direction and tracking momentum may serve us better than defining a fixed destination.
• Experiments over expectations. Viewing goals as hypotheses allows you to learn, iterate, and adjust—rather than feeling stuck or like a failure.
• High-achievers are redefining success. For many, especially those running businesses or on the edge of new growth, clarity and confidence come from feeling aligned—not just hitting numbers.

🧠 Concepts, Curves, and Frameworks

• Vector Goals: Choosing a direction and measuring acceleration, not just arrival.
• Process Integrity vs. Outcome Integrity (Deborah’s concept): Not all success is about the result—sometimes it’s about how you show up along the way.
• Hypothesis-Driven Leadership: Every initiative is a test—learn to treat your strategy as a living system.
• Blinders of Quantification: Rigid metrics can distract from emerging opportunities.
• Creative Constraints: New habits, products, or businesses often defy neat measurement—especially early on.

🔁 Real-Life Reflections

• Alli shared how she intentionally didn’t set numeric goals in 2026 for her business, favoring creativity and sustainability over spreadsheets.
• Erik reflected on how, as a founder, forecasting too early can create false precision—so he now leads with qualitative goals and lets quantification come later.
• Both recognized this as a trend among their mentees and clients, noting that more people are choosing how they want to feel or how they want to work as the real goal.

🧰 Put This Into Practice

1. Start with a direction, not a destination. Ask: “If I moved this way, what would feel aligned?”
2. Run your goals like experiments. What hypothesis are you testing?
3. Replace ‘How much?’ with ‘How meaningful?’ Try tracking presence, ease, or momentum.
4. Review your process, not just results. Did you show up the way you said you would?
5. Ditch what doesn’t serve you. If SMART goals feel restrictive, try something else—and own it.

🗣️ Favorite Quotes

“If you marry yourself too early to an outcome, it takes away your ability to adapt to the humbling reality that might be showing up.” – Erik

“For the recovering high achiever in me… this is forcing me to think differently in a way I wouldn’t have expected.” – Alli

“The clearer you are on the direction you want to move, the more powerfully you can simplify the steps to get there.” – Erik

“You’re the only one who knows you best. Pick what works for you and get rid of the noise.” – Alli

“Let’s go run the test. Let’s see if we’re right.” – Erik

🔗 Links & Resources