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As food is for our physical survival, goal-setting is for our success! Just as food nourishes our body and helps us survive, goal-setting nourishes our minds and helps us achieve success. As Tony Robbins mentioned in his book ‘Unlimited Power - The New Science of Achievement’, ‘Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible to visible’. Everything is abstract until we set goals and create a clear plan to achieve them. Imagine a person without clear set goals is like a ship without a rudder, drifting aimlessly on the ocean. They may be motivated to learn and succeed but without clear direction, they may struggle to focus.
Here are some goal-setting techniques to create more effective goals:
Smart goal-setting is a strategy that can be applied to anyone in all fields regardless of age and professions. SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. Therefore, a SMART goal incorporates all of these criteria to help focus your efforts and increase the chances of achieving your goal.
Being vague only leads to confusion when it comes to setting goals. Thus, be highly specific and pinpoint exactly what you are trying to accomplish. Suppose you are weak at math, instead of saying, ‘I want to improve my math’, specify the area in which you are weak, and say, ‘I will improve my geometry and trigonometry by seeking guidance from the teacher or by attending math tutorial and continuous practice.’
It is important to have measurable goals, which means there should be specific metrics and indicators that can be used to measure progress, success and stay motivated. E.g., ‘I want to improve my math grade in algebra by increasing my test scores by 20% in the next test,’ is a measurable goal. If you are able to achieve the goal you can set a higher goal next time.
While the goals you set should be challenging they also need to be achieved. Ask yourself if you have the required skills, knowledge and resources to achieve that specific goal. E.g., ‘I will start practicing math on basic multiplication for two hours, four times a week.’ Breaking down a task makes it easier to reach the intended target without feeling overburdened but make sure the goal is challenging and realistic.
Goals should move in the direction of your values, dreams and ambitions. For e.g., if you want to pursue a career in engineering in the future where you will be calculating distance, shapes and angles, then you need to master your skills at geometry. Your skills should be relevant to your career aspiration or personal development.
Every goal needs a target date so that you have a deadline to focus on and something to work toward. For e.g., you can set a target to complete all the math problems in the textbook in six months. Setting a deadline for completing it will help you stay on track and make progress toward your objective.
2. Written goals
Written goals are a scientifically proven method for increased goal achievement. Research has shown that 42% percent of those who write down their goals are more likely to achieve than those who don't. 61% of those who wrote down their goals and created an action plan achieved them. For e.g., you want to become a pastry chef, write down and contemplate what is the next step needed to be taken in order to become one.
Example: Goal – Become a pastry chef
3. Micro-goals technique
When it comes to long-term goals you might run out of steam because you are not noticeably closer to your objective. Using micro-goals can help you keep yourself motivated for long-term ones. Study shows achieving micro goals releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates motivation and pleasure. Completing small goals creates a sense of progress, propelling you forward to tackle bigger hurdles. It helps you concentrate on a single task, reducing distractions and increasing productivity. Consistently achieving micro goals helps develop new habits and routines.
How to make effective micro-goals
1. Make sure micro-goals are extremely small and achievable.
2. Define them clearly: Specify the task and outcome.
3. Set a deadline, usually within days, hours or minutes.
4. Align them with larger goals: Ensure micro goals support your long-term objectives.
5. Track progress: Monitor and record your progress.
E.g.: Prepare a to-do list for a day and check off the task that you have completed one after the other.
[ ] Learn two new English words
[ ] Learn a new Math formula
[ ] Write five-sentence journal entry
Remember, tiny goals lead to significant progress
Celebrating little wins
According to a research at Harvard Business School, people who tracked their small achievements every day enhanced their motivation. Small wins are the decisive turning points that you make every day, week, or month. They are the signs that you are moving in the desired direction, that you are learning and growing, and making a difference. So, instead of waiting for your next groundbreaking success, celebrate each time you get closer to your goals.
Without goals it would be extremely difficult to succeed in life because there is nothing to work hard for. So, carpe diem students, let's make it happen! Remember it is okay to take things one step at a time. Enjoy the process and savor every experience along the way.
Ningtongphy Jamang
Assistant Teacher,
Ukhrul Central School,
Ukhrul district, Manipur