Planning to Set a Goal? Here’s What You Need to Know!

July 19, 2017:

When it comes to goal setting, one has many things on their mind. A goal could be anything from learning a musical instrument to set up a business. What's important is a right strategy to achieve a goal. All the hard work can go in vain without a right strategy.

Here is what you should know about setting goals in life. Learn the simple techniques on How to Set Goals…

BRAINSTORMING

A good idea comes from brainstorming and people use it to come up with creative solutions to a specific problem. However, you need to use brain storming correctly for it to be fully effective. Brainstorming is an informal approach towards a problem with a lateral thinking. It encourages people to come up with wicked solutions possible, which in turn become effective and creative solutions in later stages. When you are in idea generation phase, you need not worry about its pros and cons, for that does not matter at this stage.

RESEARCH

The next deal is fact finding and developing a hypothesis based on some research. Research is important for reaching an effective conclusion and proactively reaching your goals. This is a phase of gathering information and formations of opinions and assumptions. The factual information can be collected through any personal observation or consultation of experts. This will lead to a school of thoughts towards a goal; assumptions are helpful because it is relatively not possible to find all the facts.

WHAT KIND OF GOAL?

The goal can be of any kind varying from short term goal to personal goals. And hence it is important to know what kind of goal you are thriving on. Depending upon its kind, the effects of the goals differ.

Here's how your goal should look like – 'Smart Goals'

Specific.Measurable.Achievable.Relevant.Time-bound

Specific

The smart goals approach starts begins with precision ie, the goal should be specific and clear. The brevity of the subject matter is extremely important. Those who reach a specific goal reaches high efficacy. The goal should be such that it underlines the strategic planning as well.

Measurable

A dissertation from Management by objective (MBO) says that "if you can't manage it, how will you measure it", and hence it becomes important to be able to measure your objectives through a standard medium.

Achievable

Setting objectives seems to be an easy task but it should be attainable as well. (You cannot aim for a luxurious car if that's a far-fetched dream). The objective should thus be within the boundaries of achievement.

Relevant

Relevance is to do with how different objectives are supporting each other and contributing towards overall success without creating conflict and tensions.

Time bound

Setting deadline will help you achieve objectives on time. Deadlines create focus and stimulate a prompt action. Always ensure the time set for meeting targets is enough or not.

ACTION PLAN

Having applied the SMART Goal setting to the plans, it becomes mendacious to drive an action plan for execution of the desired objective. Make sure you have an action plan towards each objective and have a copy of each objective. Discuss and finalize action plan and put review dates in your diary and ensure that you stick to them.

The Goal setting process doesn't end here, you will also need to inculcate a mindset that will help you achieve the goals.

• Priority

Prioritizing is all about giving the rightful importance to a specific goal. For instance, if you have two different goals for say, one is to learn swimming and another to get a job, you must be firm in prioritizing the right goal. Also, note that it is not always important to prioritize one goal over the other, you should be able to focus on what you do. This exercise is very helpful in the attainment of goal as you will be able to devote time to each goal independently without any overlapping.

• Consistency

As rightly said "consistent actions create consistent results", Consistency holds chief importance. One needs to keep working consistently towards the attainment of the goal. Consistency commands a strong will power and an uncompromising mindset. Lack of consistency can bring a lack of interest and an unfulfilled goal.

• Motivation

Turn the possibility into actions by keeping yourself motivated. "I can do it" is a possibility whereas "I will do it" is action oriented. Positive motivation inhibits a positive spirit in you which will help you in achieving the desired goal. You can begin with thinking about the future prospects after the fulfilment of the goal or the rewards you will win. As you begin to do this, you will notice a huge amount of difference in your confidence and enthusiasm. For instance, if you want to get a good job, you will think about the materialistic benefits you will attain after the job. How will the job make you financially sound? How strong it will project your image in society.

• No overloading

You can't work for 10 goals in a day until you've an extraordinary strength. So set limited goals and do your best to achieve them. You can set 2-3 goals at a time and start with others once you've achieved your earlier targets.

• Commitment

Whether an individual or a team objective, you need to understand your role in the completion of the objective. One should be clear about their roles and how they fit in the completion of objectives. Once they are clear about it, the commitment towards the goal becomes more tenacious.

• Challenges

Make each of the targets a challenge while setting objectives. Nevertheless, how challenging the task is, you should be ready to face the challenge posed by each objective. Be cautious in not making the objective a stretching one so that it becomes unattainable.

• Complexity

As an individual, you should be aware of your potential and the calibre. Make sure that the complex objective is broken into simpler one and allow sufficient time for each of them. You need to maximize the probability of success.

• Accept failures as well

The more failure you can accept, the greater chances of success you will have. Failures are a part of life and a stepping stone towards success. If you don't fail, you will not learn from your mistakes. Do not lose heart in case of an encounter with failure.

– by Naina Mishra of Newsgram. Twitter @Nainamishr94