Set Smart Goals
`DON'T be afraid of the space between your dreams and reality. If you can dream it, you can make it so,'wrote Belva Davis, a famous media personality. Our dreams provide the building blocks on which we cement our goals. They determine how high we can fly and what we can achieve. However, this exercise is meaningless unless we persist in our efforts to reach these goals. There are no short-cuts in life but there are a few road signs that can be of immense help.
Say hello to SMART. Simply put, SMART stands for goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. These parameters may sound simple but they are not always easy.
Specific goals: The first step is to define your goals. What is the end that you want to achieve? The goal may be simplified into specific tasks that need to be performed. Once you have a list ready, tick off each task as you finish them.
Measurable: Quantify your goals. Vague definitions can cause confusion and a fall in performance is only inevitable. Structure your day into a pattern that fuels your march towards your goals. . For instance, an interior designer could schedule a number of assignments to be finished in a day or a week. Similar parameters can be set up for maintaining the quality of work that one does.
Attainable: Goals that are very difficult to achieve will usually result in disappointment and have harmful repercussions. Low self- esteem and denial are a few of the by-products. Attainable goals that are set keeping in mind one's abilities will on the other hand lead to a sense of fulfilment, an increase in self worth and a steadily growing career.
Realistic: This is where you bridge the gap between dreams and reality. Unrealistic goals are often a cause of much heartburn and discontent. When you set a goal, take into account all the variables in the equation. You're aiming for something that you would not be able to do under normal circumstances. Ask yourself if all the factors are favourable? If the answer is yes, then it just might work.
Timely: Making a list of goals is not enough. Each goal must be time bound and one must make that extra effort to stick to the deadline. The time for reflection and assessment comes later. Learn to deal with anxiety. It could become a barrier between you and your goal if not dealt with properly.
In addition, when it comes to setting goals it is important to develop the right attitude.
Get rid of negative emotions: Negativity carries with it stress and needless apprehension. There are two types of negativity. One that comes from fear of failure and the other comes from fear of success. Abandoning these fears is the only way of getting started on your goals.
Develop a positive attitude: Feed your mind with positive mental images and thoughts. How bad can it be? What matters is that you had the courage to sit down and develop a plan of action. Now is the time to give it your best. Aim at developing an unstoppable belief in yourself.
Figure out what you really want: You could change your goals midway but it is better to be totally sure of your aims and aspirations. Are you doing it because others expect you to do it or is it an individual decision? You're more committed when you're trying to prove a point to yourself.
Overcome the law of inertia: Don't be afraid to take the first step. And once you do, beware of complacency. Find ways of motivating yourself and believe in perseverance. Impatience can make things worse. And remember, procrastination goes hand in hand with complacency. Stick to your plans and shun putting off work.
Take care of the small things and the bigger picture will take care of itself. Setting your goals is only the starting point on the march towards realising your dreams.
Deepshikha Mehta
faqs@cnkonline.com
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