Now that we have started getting set for New Year, with renewed vigour and hope, it is time to set new goals to add value to our New Year. Do you know why goal setting is important? It is important because it gives you direction for the future. If you work on its finer details, then it becomes a blueprint for the future. Life looks so much more meaningful if you have a goal in hand. It keeps you awake and agile. Your life is enriched with the nuances of the goals.
If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things.” —Albert Einstein
So, what is a goal?
A goal is something you want to achieve. It is the desired result that you plan and commit to achieving. Simply stated, a goal is a dream with a deadline. Still a bit confused? Here are some characteristics of what goals are and what they are not.
A goal is:
- Your vision for the future. Goals should be the result of careful consideration of a personal vision statement and the things you want to achieve.
- Time-sensitive. The most effective goals are time-bound. The Goals generally have a longer time frame. They can then be broken down into smaller, short-term objectives.
- Large in nature. Do not be afraid to set a big goal that seems like a reach. Feel free to think outside the box and dream big. You can set smaller, short-term goals to help you get there.
Please understand that a goal is not an objective. Objectives are the steps taken to reach the goal. For example, “I want to become a beautiful classical dancer” is a goal. “I will work with a Guru to learn and hone my dancing skills by the end of this year” is the objective.
It is not a mission statement as these create a clear and focused direction. It is the statement of purpose from which a company, business, or individual operates. On the other hand, a goal is a specific aim you or your team work towards to achieve it.
“If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things.” —Albert Einstein
How do you chart a path to reach your goals?
Here are a few tips:
- Write down your goal. Get your goal out of your imagination and put these onto a piece of paper.
- Set a deadline. Set a target date by which you will complete your goal.
- Work on your mindset.
- Develop your skillset.
- Take the first step.
- Continue to completion.
- Reward yourself.
While goal setting is hard, achieving those within the deadline is harder. You must achieve your goals within a time frame or a set deadline. Then only you will be able to cherish its fruits otherwise these will turn into a lost opportunity.
Here are a few tips which will you achieve your goals faster:
- Do something you believe in. The first tip on our list is to try to improve in the area you believe is important.
- Focus on important tasks.
- Be realistic.
- Write it down.
- Break it up.
- Make a calendar of activities.
- Tell your friends or family.
- Look for professional help.
“The world’s greatest achievers have been those who have always stayed focused on their goals and have been consistent in their efforts.” —Dr. Roopleen
Have you ever wondered what makes goal achieving so challenging? Why do we people fail? What could be the possible roadblocks?
Many fail because they do not understand what reaching goals entails. They keep beating around the bush but are unable to define goals. Many of you overestimate your abilities and underestimate the difficulties that you will face. In today’s information-centered world, there is no excuse not to fully understand what it will take to accomplish anything of value.
Watch videos, read books and articles, search websites, and visit people trying to accomplish the same things as you are. This will certainly enable you to reach your goals.
Another major reason for failure is lack of planning
Once you get some focused goals, you can begin some real planning. Write that goal down and then think through the steps it will take for you to accomplish it.
Make a concrete plan with a timeline of the different stages of development. Be aggressive but realistic with your plan. Have a plan in place for what you will do when you want to quit. Have a plan for where you foresee difficulties.
Another critical aspect of achieving your goals is to follow discipline in whatever you take up. A plan is useless if you do not follow through with action. Often, this will be a joy, sometimes, it will be a struggle. Dig deep within yourself. You will not feel like waking up early every day to run. Do it anyway. You will want to eat that doughnut with the icing and the sprinkles. Consider, is that in my plan? If not, do the least practised exercise, then push your plate away.
With the right mindset and strategies, you can overcome these challenges and achieve your goals.
- Step 1: Identify your values.
- Step 2: Set SMART goals.
- Step 3: Create a clear plan of action.
- Step 4: Prepare for obstacles.
Follow this plan of action and be happy!
