By: Dr. Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Sr. Associate Editor-ICN Group
KOLKATA: In the last article, we started to understand how to convert the desires into S.M.A.R.T.E.R. goals. We discussed first 3 limbs i.e. S.M.A. Today, we will understand what the fourth limb i.e. R. stands for.
Convert the desires into S.M.A.R.T.E.R. goals (cont…)
After understanding the first 3 factors i.e. ‘S’ for ‘Specific & Simple’; ‘M’ for ‘Measurable’ & ‘A’ for ‘Adjustable & Attainable’, now we will fine tune our desires on the parameter ‘R’ i.e. Realistic.
Realistic
Though you may be tempted to challenge your limits by setting high goals, you have to always keep in mind that the goals should be realistic to achieve. If you are in a job and aim that I will become President of the Country within 2 years; it is hardly achievable and may demoralise you, when you do not achieve the goal in two years. You should know that politicians spend their whole active political career of at least 20-30 years, before they can target heading a country. Likewise, if you are earning Rs. 20,000 per month right now and have no capital of doing any business and set a goal to earn Rs. 10 crores per month, the same is bound to fail in normal circumstances, barring exceptions. So, you should be careful that the goals should be realistic and achievable.
While being realistic, you should always keep in mind that you should never set too big a goal to achieve over a small period of time; and at the same time, you should be careful that the goal is not very small in comparison to time available.
Never set too big a goal over small time – If you set such a high goal, you are bound to fail and this will result in demoralisation and your enthusiasm will go. You will start suspecting the power of goal setting. I will give two examples.
–Suppose you are weighing 90 kgs and set a goal of reducing 25 kgs in two months. That is unrealistic. Every fitness expert will tell you that 2-3 kgs a month is most optimum weight loss, which your body can easily accept. That means that if you follow even rigorous exercising schedules and dieting schedules, you should not lose 6-7 kgs over a period of 2 months. Targeting 25 kgs reduction will result in loosing motivation & enthusiasm.
–Suppose you have just started your livelihood and are earning Rs. 50,000 per month. Dreaming a big bungalow in 2 years is unrealistic. You are going to earn a total of Rs. 12 lacs during next two years, out of which you have to meet your expenses also. Dreaming or planning an investment of Rs. 1 or 2 crores will drag you into huge loans, which you will not be able to repay easily.
Never set too small a goal over big time – On the contrary, if you target too small over a long period, it will result into slackness. I will give two examples.
–Suppose you plan to reduce 3 kgs in one year, you will not start any activity for first 6-8 months, thinking that you will achieve the targets in last three months.
–Suppose you plan a flat before your retirement, which is 35 years ahead. It will also result in slackness for the next 20-25 years.
The crux is that while setting goals, you should be reasonably optimum vis-a-vis your resources after duly evaluating, where you are today. The goal should be such that it needs to somehow stretch you to channelize your focus and energy towards it. If it is within sight, then only you will get a motivation to move towards your goal. But always keep in mind that you should not be too strict with yourself. Allow margin for unforeseen circumstances and temporary setbacks.
(In the next article, we will know about the remaining points of SMARTER goals i.e. T.E.R. stands for what. I believe that you are enjoying the journey towards the future of your dreams with me. If yes, please stay tuned every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday. Happy G.O.P.T.A.)
Dr. Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Creator & copyright holder of the concept G.O.P.T.A.© is an Author, Certified NLP Lifestyle Master Practitioner, Corporate Trainer & Motivational Speaker and recipient of Honorary Doctorate of Excellence (Management) by prestigious Young Scientist University, California, USA. He is Founder of ‘Read, Learn & Earn Movement’ and is popularly known among his fans & followers across the globe as ‘Time and Goal Guru’.
