What is a goal??? When this was asked in class some students
said that a goal is a target, its something to work for, it’s an aim. Well all
these do describe what a goal is but my definition is “A goal is an ever
changing or developing target that you work hard to reach. It’s a dream it’s a
wish and a vision that we hope would come true.”
So how do we achieve these goals we set for ourselves? Does
throwing coins in to wishing fountains and wishing on starts make it a
reality??? Or do we achieve goals from
working hard and dedicating ourselves to the cause?? Some say that to be
successful we need luck. Well if that’s the case then I say let’s make our own
luck.
I think one reason to why we find it very difficult to
achieve our goals is because we haven’t properly set the goal. Therefore Most of the time we get lost along
the way to our destination. To achieve the goal it must be an SMART goal
otherwise it’s just a waste of time.
SMART goals
The idea of smart goals or the SMART acronym first appeared
in November, 1981 issue of Management Review (vol. 70, issue 11), in an article
titled "There's a S.M.A.R.T. way to write management's goals and
objectives." by George Doran. SMART goals are a method used to plan out or
set out goals that are reasonable and effective. Not only does this method help
project managers and other leaders in business to plan out the goals of the company
and the projects but it can also help to improve personal development. (Tutorwebsite,
2011)
This means that the goal we set has to be more specific rather
than just a general goal. The goal must be clear and unambiguous. It should indicate exactly what you want to
accomplish and give specific reasons for it. (Tutorwebsite, 2011)
For example “I’m going to do better at managing my time,” is
a vague statement. This kind of statements may seem overwhelming as it is more
like a grand concept. (Erhorn, 2103)
Specific
Specific Goal should
avoids confusion about what is to occur or what is to improve , it has
defined parameters and details are clear , it clearly specifies outcome to be
reached and it should measure progress . (XavierUniversity, 2012)
To set a specific goal you must answer the following questions:
1.
Who is involved?
2.
What do I want to accomplish?
3.
Where (Identify the location)?
4.
By when do I want to accomplish it?
5.
Which constraints and requirements must I identify?
6.
Why it important?
Measurable
This is to establish a concrete criteria to measure the
progress of achievements. Through this we can analyze or properly identify if
we are we are on the road to success by looking at the actual behavior against
this measurement. (Erhorn, 2103) . Basically this a
way of know if you have achieved the goal and it will also help to keep u on track
and reach the deadlines properly thus effectively reaching your target.
Measurable goals Includes a deadline and Defines quantity,
cost or quality .
When setting measurable goals make sure the following questions
are covered. (XavierUniversity, 2012)
• What measurements can I use?
• How will I know when it is accomplished (what tangible
evidence do I have)?
Attainable
This means that the goal is Challenging but accomplished within
reasonable time frame (XavierUniversity, 2012) . It’s important to make
sure that your goals are realistic and achievable. Once you realize your goal
understand and start developing the attitudes, abilities and skills required to
attain the goal. (Tutorwebsite, 2011)
When setting attainable goal always make sure if you have the
ability or skill or talent or even the discipline to achieve that goal. (XavierUniversity, 2012)
Realistic
This means that the goal should be attainable and relevant. When
setting a goal always bear in mind the final outcome to ensure that any
progress being made is heading in the right direction (Tutorwebsite, 2011) . Make sure that the goal is in match
with your priorities. See if it makes make a significant impact on our overall
success and not actually work against our accomplishments (Erhorn, 2103) .
Always ask yourself if this is something you want to do and
if it worth while.
Time bound
This simply means the goal should have a time frame or a
deadline. From personal experience I can say that having a deadline always gives
an extra push or motivation to finish the task and accomplish the goal. Through
this you can easily plan out the work you have to do and accomplish the goal without
much stress and also be organized in your work.
When setting time oriented goals, ask: (XavierUniversity, 2012)
• What is the earliest yet achievable and realistic date for
this goal to be completed?
• Have I included this date in the statement of the goal
(for my commitment)?
My own methods to accomplish this:
- Have reminders.
- Make to-do lists.
- Mark important dates (example: deadline dates) on a calendar.
- Prioritize the work according to importance.
You can use the following questionnaire to evaluate your
goals (VirginiaUniversity, 2013) .
S.M.A.R.T. Goal Questionnaire
Goal: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
1. Specific. What will the goal accomplish? How and why will
it be accomplished?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Measurable. How will you measure whether or not the goal
has been reached (list at least two
indicators)?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Achievable. Is it possible? Have others done it
successfully? Do you have the necessary knowledge,
skills, abilities, and resources to accomplish the goal?
Will meeting the goal challenge you without
defeating you? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Results-focused. What is the reason, purpose, or benefit
of accomplishing the goal? What is the
result (not activities leading up to the result) of the
goal? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. Time-bound. What is the established completion date and
does that completion date create a practical sense of urgency? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Revised Goal:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
There is an addition to SMART goals its expanded to a
concept called SMARTER goals.
The letters S, M, A, R, T stands the same with the addition
of two letters E and R.
- E- Evaluate goals regularly and adjust
them as needed to account for changes in family or job responsibilities or
availability of resources.
- R-Re-Do goals after the evaluation
process and go through the SMARTER process.
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