Setting goals is different from dreaming. It’s like how as a kid we plan on becoming an astronaut and then fail in math twice in a row in our high school. Goals can all be decorative and beautiful, but that is not what a smart goal setting can be called. A smart goal setting includes being able to achieve goals easily in a planned way with marked steps that do not put too much pressure on a person.
Smart goal setting helps us achieve our goals in a planned and efficient manner. Many people fail to achieve easy goals because they go the wrong way and also fail to understand what they actually want and why.
Here are 5 important elements of Goal Setting -
The goal must be specific and to the point. A vague goal only makes it more difficult to achieve. We need to have a clear idea of what we wish to achieve. Dreams can be vague. For instance, someone might say that he wants to earn a lot of money which is a vague goal.
A goal should be how much money we want to earn. This way, it is attainable and we also have a clear picture in front of us. The clear denotation of how much we want to earn helps in embedding a clear number in our minds.
2. Should be measurable
A goal cannot be made of mist. If we set the goal to be happy, it is unrealistic, as happiness cannot be measured, and a goal should be of a measurable quantity. This makes it possible to inform ourselves objectively once the goal is complete. Happiness is fleeting, thus, the result of our goal may change with each passing day. Thus, we should keep in mind the basic difference between goal and dream.
3. Attainable
We should have a clear view of our capabilities and set a goal that we can fulfill. If we set the bar too high, no matter what we do, we will not be able to complete the goal. Once it becomes too hard to complete, we may lose interest and give up which should not be the case. The goal is just steps towards the ultimate dream. Thus, we can take small steps and choose small attainable goals to finally reach the peak. As we continue to fulfill each goal, our confidence also increases. Therefore a goal must be attainable so that people don’t lose interest halfway through it.
4. Realistic
A goal set should be realistic in nature. If we plan on becoming a billionaire within a year and presently we are a simple employee in a goods company, our goal is not only funny but also unrealistic and impractical. If we give ourselves sufficient time, then, maybe, because of some ambitious streak, we might become rich. Thus, we need to assess carefully and set a realistic goal.
5. Time management
In setting a goal, time management is highly important. We need to understand the importance of time and the fact that nothing of value can be achieved fast enough. It is crucial to give ourselves sufficient time to achieve the goal because once we cross the deadline, we lose our interest, and it is a lot of work to start right back again. Thus, setting a deadline with sufficient time in hand is crucial.
Everyone can set a goal, but the goal needs to be smartly set so that we can actually complete it. Unrealistic and heavy goals, set in a small amount of time, not only adds the pressure of failing but is also physically impossible to attain. Moreover, we need to learn and differentiate between a goal and a dream. Many people are unable to differentiate both, and end up setting unnatural targets which can only be considered as a dream and not a goal. Hence, remember these important elements when you set your next goal.
Written by - Anwesha Basu
Edited by - Vasudha Sabharwal
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