The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Set goalpost before you score

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jun 05, 2006

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Set goalpost before you score

B.S. Warrier

GUIDANCEPLUS

Last week, this column discussed the significance of setting goals and achieving them as an important part of our educational efforts. Let us now look at some of the related strategies to be followed for successful goal setting.

To begin with, you may list the past five years and note down your significant achievements in education during each of these years, and check whether you could not have achieved more had you made a pointed effort with specific goals in view. You may then proceed to set goals for the future.

Do not confine yourself to learning in school or college.

Always set each goal precisely with specifics such as quantum and deadline (date and time before which it should be achieved). Fixing of a quantum would permit achievement to be measured. Example: Do not just say learn the capitals of various countries. Instead, define your goal as learning before 8 a.m. on the first of July 2006 the names of the capitals of 100 important countries of the world.

Decide small goals that can be achieved in a reasonable time. You can proceed step by step to attain a big long-term goal.

Set goals taking into account the possibility of conditions beyond your control. Never be too ambitious. Others may advise you to set impossible goals, but be realistic and pragmatic in your decision. If your goals are too difficult to be achieved, you may get disillusioned later. That may prompt you to abandon the healthy practice of goal setting.

Never make your goals too low or silly. Even if you achieve them, it would give you no sense of fulfilment. Nor would it help you in your progress. It is fear of failure that may induce you to set very low goals. Keep your self-confidence high and set useful goals that may be slightly above your current reach.

Prioritise the goals when you have multiple goals before you. Fix the order of priorities precisely.

Make each goal in the form of a positive statement. For example, say `Master the use of correct language' and not `Do not continue to make errors in language.'

Write out clearly each goal. This will render clarity to the goals. Any vagueness in the statement of goals will confuse you while determining the course of action. Moreover, you will not forget the goals if you put them in black and white. You should have control over the goals.

While setting goals never say that you will `try' to do something. It should be that you `will do' it. When you insert the word try, you start with a fear that you might fail in achieving the goal.

Think about the rewards you will enjoy when you achieve a goal. Such a dream will propel you to proceed with enthusiasm.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail