SET YOUR GOAL SMART TO ENSURE VERY GOOD RESULTS

 

In this dynamic world we come to know about record breaking achievements by different individuals or teams in their respective fields. Recently, there was wide and thrilling media coverage of our T20 cricket team winning the World Cup Match for the record third time with a margin of ninety-seven runs. Interestingly, it was the second successive T20 World Cup win by the Indian Team.  It is really heartening that a good number of sportspersons have been proving their real talent in various international sports events including cricket. Can these achievements be possible without setting a goal and believing in yourself?

The famous motivational speaker Zig Ziglar rightly says that when you set goals, something inside of you starts saying, “Let’s go, let’s go,” and ceilings start to move up. And Swami Vivekananda asserts, “All power is within you. You can do anything and everything. Believe in that. Don't believe that you are weak. Stand up and express the divinity within you.”   

Undeniably, these performers and many others in other fields of activity - science, finance, politics, administration, entertainment, arts & crafts, literature etc. have exhibited their unflinching commitment towards certain winning qualities including determination, dedication, discipline and hard work. Nonetheless, one defining and common commitment of these achievers has been towards setting not just a goal but a smart goal in the first place. The pertinent question here is what is special about being smart in setting a goal? Notably, each letter of the word SMART signifies a special meaning. Let us examine and enjoy it through the example of a college student. Yes, it is equally applicable in other cases.

S for Specific. Goal must be specific, not confusing or hazy or unclear. It's like Mahabharat’s great teacher and trainer Dronacharya's dearest disciple Arjuna's specific goal of hitting the eye of the bird on a tree. Arjuna was so focused on his goal that he was quite unaware of even the other body parts of the bird itself, let alone the question of noticing other things like the leaves, tree or the surrounding objects.    

M for Measurable. To say, it can be measured on a scale. For example, when a student says he wants to score good marks in the ensuing examination, the question will be what does this good mark actually mean? Is it 60, 70 or 90%? Once this percentage is set, only then the student can make an estimation and action plan about the extent of efforts required for achieving the goal. If it is not set well, the preparation will not be appropriate for the said examination.

A for Achievable. It signifies whether the goal set is really achievable. There is no point in setting a goal which, prima facie, is unachievable by any means. Now, if the said student sets a target of 98% whereas he has been securing around 50% in previous examinations and the next examination is only a month away, the goal is very much unachievable and hence can't be a part of a smart goal. Isn’t it?

R for Relevant. That does mean that it is relevant in the context of the larger goal of your life or from the point of view of the benefits you intend to receive vis-a-vis your total efforts, energy and time required to achieve the said goal. Naturally, it ensures continuity in efforts and fills you with a sense of moving forward rightly towards your main goal.  

T for Time bound. Whatever be the goal, it must be achieved within a time limit. No goal can be set for an unlimited time. A goal bears no meaning without a deadline. Take the same example of the said student.  If he says that he will achieve the goal this time or next time, the smartness of setting a goal is compromised and then the outcome can well be predicted.  

Experts of all fields do opine that if we can set a smart goal and take all possible steps to move towards it firmly, success is guaranteed. Finally, let us enjoy the golden words of Brian Tracy on the subject. He says that people with clear and written goals accomplish far more in a shorter period of time than people without them could ever imagine. To say, by following what is stated here-in-above, it is easier to ensure very good results in all your endeavours in life. 

As always, I'm keen to know what you think on this subject. Hence, I request you to post your comments to share your valuable opinion.   (hellomilansinha@gmail.com)     

# Published in my Sunday Column of "Morning India" daily.

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