What is goal setting, Importance of goal setting

Goal setting

Smart

          Due to the global competition it is expected that the employee shall be a very goooq human resource who know very well his abilities and strengths and shall be able to associate them to accomplish personal as well as organizational goals. He must have the ability to distinguish between personal goals as well as organizational goals and he shall be able to deal with them without having a clash of personal goals with organizational goals.
          Goal is an essential part of human life. The goal set for oneself determines the essence of the life. Setting goals is the first step to turning dreams, ideas, wishes, into reality. In this article focus is given on the need of goal setting, smart goal, steps to attain a Goal.

Goal, Aim and Objective

Goal

           It is a statement containing the information about where you want to see yourself or' what you want to become or what you want to achieve in life etc. However the statement of goals also indicates the time period. Usually the goal statements indicate time frame which‘is long term may be 8-10 years.

           e.g. My goal is to become the general manager of a reputed multinational company.

Aim

           It is a statement containing the information about where you want to see yourself or what you want to become or what you want to achieve in life etc. However the time period prescribed in the statement of aim is lower as compared to goals. Usually statements of aim indicate time frame which is medium term may be 3-4 years.  

 Objective

          It is a statement containing the information about where .you want to see ' yourself or what you want to become or what you want to achieve in life etc. However the time period prescribed in the statement of Objectives is lower as compared to Aim statements. Usually the objective statements indicate time frame, which is short term, ' may be 6 months to 1 year.

         The most important thing is that even though the time frame varies in Goals, Aims and objectives still they should be on the same lines.

The following example will clear the difference between Goals, Aims and Objectives. 

Goal : My goal is to start my own work shop with modern machines. 

Aim : My aim is to complete the diploma in Mechanical Engineering in three years.

Objectives : My objectives are to get first class' In every semester.

Why Goal setting?

           Goal setting is the process in which an individual has to identify the goal, plan and decide the strategy to achieve the goal. Follow the decided strategy with any modification that is necessary to move on the correct path towards the achievement of an identified goal. 

• Goal setting focuses efforts and improves direction in life. 
• Goal setting causes to set priorities and becomes more organized. 
• Goal setting turns wishful thinking into reality. 
• Goal setting can improve self-esteem.
• Goal setting makes you responsible for your own life. It helps to define your own value system.
• Goal setting makes aware of strengths, which can be used to overcome obstacles and Salve problems.
• Goal setting points out your weaknesses. You can begin setting new goals to improve in those areas and convert them into strengths. 

Characteristics of Goal setting

           In order to succeed, one needs to plan out his work and work out his plan . It is often observed that good intentions and desires are not equally supported by sincere efforts. Achievement of success is the result of judicious combination of desire and relevant action. To start one needs. synergy between the head, heart and the hand in achieving his goals. The goal should be SMART.

        Specific , Simple, Significant, Stretchable.

        Measurable , Meaningful, Motivational Manageable. 

        Attainable, Appropriate, Achievable, Agreeable, Assignable, Actionable.

        Realistic, Relevant, Result-oriented, Result-focused, Resourceful, Rewarding. 

        Timely, Time-based; Time -boxed, Time-specific, Time-tabled, Tangible, Traceable.

Specific

         Specifics help to focus efforts and clearly define what we are going to do. To set a Specific goal you must answer the following questions: 

Measurable

          Establish concrete criteria for measuring progress to stay on track, reach your target dates, and experience the exhilaration of achievement that spurs you on to continued effort required to reach your goal. “I want to read a book of 100 pages before my birthday" , shows the specific target to be measured. "I want to be a good reader“ is_ not as measurable goal.

Attainable

          After identifying the goals that are most important to you, begin to figure out ways you can make them come true. Develop the attitude, abilities, skills, and financial capacity to reach them. Begin to see previously overlooked opportunities closer to the achievement of goals.

Realistic

         Your goal is probably realistic if you truly believe that it can be accomplished. Additional ways to know if your goal is realistic is to determine if you have accomplished anything similar in the past or ask yourself what, conditions should exist to accomplish this goal.

Timely

       A goal should be grounded within a time frame. With no time frame tied to it there's no sense of urgency. If you want to lose 10 kg, when do you'Want to lose it? t'Someday" won't work. But if you anchor it within a time frame, "by May 1st“, then you've set your unconscious mind into motion to begin working on the goal.