In this dynamic world we get to know about record breaking achievements by one or the other person in their respective field. Few months back there was wide media coverage of M.C.Marycom, the woman boxer for winning another big title. It is really heartening that good number of sportspersons have been proving their real talent in international sports events.
Swami Vivekananda rightly says, "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 a smart
goal at the first place.
The
pertinent question here is what is special about smart in setting a goal?
Interestingly, each letter of the word SMART signifies a special character. 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.
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.
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.
R for relevant. That does mean that it is relevant in the context of 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.
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 is meaningless without a deadline.
Taking 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 completely
purposeless.
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, "People with clear and written goals accomplish far more in a shorter period of time than people without them could ever imagine." In fact, by following this principle in life, anybody can ensure far better chances of being successful in all the endeavours. (hellomilansinha@gmail.com)
As always, I'm keen to know what you think on this subject. Hence, request you to post comments to share your views and experiences.
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