Deciding on a destination, Visualization and Planning are the foundation steps that should define the beginning of any journey.
© 2019 Nigerian Patriot
Definitive Intro
For the purpose of this summary blog episode, a Goal can be defined as the designated end of a task or project. It is the target destination of all resources expended in any endeavor. For contextual relevance, goal in this paragraph could refer to the desired global expectation of an entire project. Examples: earning a degree at school, embarking on a holiday, building a house, etc. For the sake of distinction, it is tagged macro-goal through the rest of this post. A goal could also mean the designated end of a phase of a project; this definition is tagged micro-goal through the rest of this post. Examples: passing a semester exam toward earning a degree at school, booking a hotel toward embarking on a holiday, acquiring a structural plan toward building a house.
Visualizing a (macro or micro) goal involves creating a strong mental multidimensional impression of the destination. A person should be able to observe, feel, taste, smell, and wholly interact with this mental picture as if they are actually at that end point. It is this powerful mental impression that will provide the motivational drive required to pursue the goal-setting process as well as every other task involved in the journey toward pursuing a macro-goal to a logical conclusion. This means that a person must select a macro-goal which is driven by personal passion.
Goal-setting is the process of developing a map of smaller (micro) goals that will guide the journey toward the destination predefined in the first paragraph as the macro-goal. As we all know, without a map, the journey of a thousand miles, might transform into a perilous nightmare of a million miles. Goal-setting provides focus and direction. The footsteps of a person who is armed with such a map is always informed by the wisdom and advantages of the Precision effect.
The Precision effect is a phrase coined for the purpose of this blog episode and defined by four strengths highlighted below:
- The Precision effect would birth an innate independent and deep rooted feeling of success in a person on a journey toward a goal. This guarantee of victory cannot be shaken by the doubt of people who may not share the vision of the gainful rewards of completing the journey, or phases of it.
- The Precision effect develops a renewable and invincible spirit within a person who embarks on a goal bound journey. This indomitable spirit would feed and sustain the motivation, courage, faith and hope required to deal with the challenges encountered along the journey. Yes, this spirit of tireless boldness would always keep the eyes focused on the destination, and constantly propel the feet effortlessly toward the goal, regardless the odds.
- The Precision effect generates a deep measure of reassuring self confidence that any resource expended along the journey would translate to a successful end.
- The Precision effect enables a person to gain traction and improve momentum as a journey progresses toward the goal.
Attributes Of A Smart Goal-Setting Process
An effective goal-setting process must be guided by established standards of success. The acronym S.M.A.R.T defines a popular and globally accepted set of attributes for a successful goal-setting process. They are briefly highlighted below.
(S) Specific: The macro-goal and micro-goals must be specific and clearly defined in order to provide direction, and a fix on the destination.
(M) Measurable: The macro-goal and micro-goals must be measurable values in order to track preset milestones, stay focused and remain motivated.
(A) Achievable: The macro-goal and micro-goals could be challenging, but must be achievable within your realm of effort and ability. Setting goals beyond the borders of our capacity could lead to disappointments and discouragement.
(R) Relevant/Realistic: The macro-goal and micro goals must be relevant and realistic with your circumstance, means, and aptitude. This would develop the resilience and stability required to gain traction and win the race.
(T) Time-bound: The macro-goal and micro-goals must be time-bound to start and end moments. This will imbibe the discipline required for consistent milestone achievements which are usually accompanied by well deserved self treats.
Documentation
The procedure of deciding on the macro-goal (final destination), visualization, and goal-setting process must be documented in great detail. This documentation is the Master plan. It would form the basis of a daily reminder and an easy reference point of audit on the progress, zeal, and any adjustments required to stay focused on the finish line that marks the end of the journey.
Sustainable Action
The journey to any destination can never be achieved by wishful thinking. It requires the consistent action of motion for success. This logic of wisdom applies in gaining any meaningful result from the contents of this summary post. There are no short-cuts to bypass this understanding of truth.
Closing Remarks
This post has been designed to inspire the noble citizens of Nigeria on the basic skills required to inform a positive mindset capable of attaining success with any endeavor of life. It is the sincere wish of the author, that these endeavors include renewing our spirit of Patriotism and Love for each other. This feat would significantly assist our collective effort at lifting our country Nigeria back to greatness.
This post is in honor of the inspirational encouragement of the ‘Sweet Believer’: a profound blogger that knows how to bring out the bloom beneath any gloom. Great thanks S.B.
Arise O Compatriots….
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