The A.R.T of Goal Setting

A: ACHIEVABLE (GOALS SHOULD BE ATTAINABLE)

1) Knowing the limits of one’s strengths

• Daydreams are elusive and they encourage us to think of aims that we do not have the ability or resources to achieve. Goals, on the other hand, are made after careful assessment of our ability to fulfill them.

2) Knowing the specific demands

• Attainability can only be accessed if we truly understand the nature of the goal set.

3) Having determination

• Determination is setting a goal and holding on until its completion. This means being mentally prepared for various obstacles along the way. For those pitfalls that we cannot envisage, our grit will help see us through.

4) Creativity in problem solving

• When you are beset with difficulties, and there seems to be no way out, put on your thinking cap. Check out all other possibilities. A solution may well avail itself.

R: REVIEWED (REGULATE YOURSELF TO FOCUS ON THE GOAL)

1) Keeping distractions away

• Count the cost of your endeavours before you begin. We must willing to sacrifice time, money or our desires to strive towards our target.

2) The problem of complacency

• Those who are complacent get caught in a rut and indulge in self-satisfaction. They do not realize that their inactivity robs them of the chance to attain their full potential, to mature and to learn.

3) The problem of inconsistency

• Like floating down a river, working towards a goal requires continuous effort if we do not want to risk being swept away by the raging torrents.

4) The problem of discouragement

• When the label of failure threatens to stick itself to us, and discouragement tails our path, ward it off with perseverance. The eventual success will prove to be even sweeter.

T: TIMED (SEIZE THE DAY, LAY HOLD OF PROVIDENCE AND PRESS ON TOWARDS THE GOAL)

1) Pacing oneself

• We should appoint a time for our goals to be accomplished – the hour, day, week, month or the year – to help us guard against procrastination. On the other hand, it also takes patience to make our goals a reality.

2) Opportunity

• Seize the day! It is easy to forget that time and life is limited amidst the golden ray each sunrise floods us in. The reality is our lifespan and opportunities are all limited.

3) Perseverance

• More often than not, we do not achieve our goals at the first attempt. Unless we decide to grit our teeth and press on, our aspiration will remain a figment of our imagination.