A goal is a desired outcome or end-point that a person or a group sets for
themselves, and works towards through deliberate planning and effort. Goals can
be both short-term and long-term and can cover various aspects of life such as
personal, professional, financial, educational, etc. Having well-defined and
achievable goals can help individuals and organizations focus their efforts,
stay motivated, and achieve success. We should know how to set goals and achieve them.
It provides focus, motivation, and a sense of purpose, as well as a way to measure progress and success. If we set goals, it helps in prioritizing tasks, making better use of time, and increasing self-discipline and determination.
Setting goals allows us to clarify what we want to achieve and gives us a roadmap to follow. By focusing on our goals, we can direct our thoughts, actions, and resources towards what is most important to us. Without goals, we may lack direction and purpose, and be less likely to achieve our aspirations. Goal setting also provides a way to measure progress and make adjustments along the way, helping us stay on track towards achieving our desired outcome.
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| fig: Goal writing |
S=Specific
M=Measurable
A=Achievable
R=Reasonable
T=Time-bounded
The goal should be specific
Specific goals are easier to understand and work towards, as compared to vague or general goals. Specific goals give a clear picture of what is expected and provide a clear target to work towards. For example, instead of setting a general goal like "I want to earn money", a specific goal would be "I want to earn 5000$ pounds in the next 3 months." Having specific goals also makes it easier to track progress and make adjustments as needed.
The goal should be measurable
Measurable goals allow you to track your progress and determine if you are on track to achieve your desired outcome. By having measurable goals, you can assess how far you have come and how much further you need to go, making it easier to make adjustments along the way.
For example, instead of setting a goal like "I want to improve my public speaking skills", a measurable goal would be "I want to give 3 successful presentations in front of a large audience within the next 6 months." Having measurable goals also makes it easier to stay motivated, as you can see the tangible results of your efforts.
The goal should be achievable
Achievable goals are realistic and attainable, given your current resources and circumstances. Setting achievable goals helps you stay motivated and focused, as you are more likely to succeed and reach your desired outcome. On the other hand, setting goals that are too challenging or unrealistic can lead to frustration and disappointment.
It's important to strike a balance between setting challenging goals that push you out of your comfort zone and setting achievable goals that are within reach. For example, instead of setting a goal like "I want to run a marathon in the next 2 weeks", a more achievable goal would be "I want to be able to run a marathon within the next 12 months by following a gradual training plan."
The goal should be reasonable
Reasonable goals are those that are aligned with your values, interests, and priorities, and take into consideration your current resources and circumstances. Setting reasonable goals helps you stay focused and motivated, as you are more likely to be committed to achieving them.
Reasonable goals are also more likely to lead to a positive outcome, as they are based on a realistic assessment of what is possible. For example, instead of setting a goal like "I want to become a billionaire in the next year", a more reasonable goal would be "I want to increase my income by 20% in the next year through career advancement or starting a side business."
The goal should be time-bounded
Time-bound goals give a sense of urgency and structure to your goal-setting process, helping you stay focused and motivated. They also provide a clear deadline for achieving your desired outcome, making it easier to track progress and make adjustments along the way. By having a time frame, you can prioritize your tasks and allocate your resources more effectively, making it easier to reach your goals.
For example, instead of setting a goal like "I want to learn a new language", a time-bound goal would be "I want to be able to have a basic conversation in Spanish within the next 6 months by taking weekly lessons and practising with native speakers." Having a clear time frame helps you stay focused and motivated, as you work towards your desired outcome.
When you are clear and focused on your goals, you can harness the power of your mind and your actions to achieve them. By being decisive and committed to what you want, you can align your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours towards your desired outcome.
As you take focused and deliberate action, you create opportunities and attract resources that can help you achieve your goal. Additionally, having a clear and well-defined goal can help you stay motivated and overcome any obstacles or challenges that may arise along the way. By focusing on your goal and taking consistent and purposeful action, you can achieve success and reach your desired outcome.
Writing down your goals makes them more tangible and helps you to clarify your thoughts and priorities. Creating a plan to achieve your goals breaks them down into manageable steps and helps you to see the path to success. By working on your plan every single day, you can stay focused, and motivated, and make consistent progress towards your desired outcome.
This approach helps you to hold yourself accountable, as you are taking daily actions that move you closer to your goal. It's important to also review and adjust your plan as needed, as your circumstances or goals may change over time. Setting goals, making a plan to achieve them, and working on the plan every day is a powerful and effective way to reach success and achieve your desired outcome.