The year 2022 is gradually progressing.. Did you set new year goals in the beginning of the year and you are already out of steam? Are you still planning to set your goals for the year? Let me show you 4 steps to achieve your goal in 2022.
STEP 1: Write down the goals (SMART goals)
There is a diff btw setting goals and setting SMART goals. The SMART in SMART goals stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, & Time-Bound. Smart goals enable you to track the progress & to evaluate the success of your goal. SMART goals also enables you to clearly separate very similar goals i.e. to japa and to find scholarship are similar but have different requirements and should be clearly separated.
HERE IS AN EXAMPLE OF A SMART GOAL
Goal – To gain phd scholarship in 2022;
SPECIFIC: answers the question – what is the goal and what steps to be taken?
->To secure atleast 3 phd scholarship in 2022 by applying to 30 scholarships in Taiwan, US, UK, Kenya and Singapore
MEASURABLE: helps you define what evidence will prove you are making progress (milestones) and enables you to track the progress
-create solid cv and sop documents (1month),
-search for prospective schools and profs (1 month)
-send first 5 applications (2 months)
ACHIEVABLE: is your goal realistic or overambitous?
->Apply to 30 scholarships and securing 3 is realistic during my gap year and would help achieve a 10% success rate (atleast 3 scholarship success out of 30 applications)
RELEVANT: The goal should align with your values and objectives. why this goal?
->Securing a PhD scholarship would enable me to achieve my lifelong dream of becoming a top expert in chemical synthesis and to be a professor. The relevance of your goal should motivate you.
Time bound: when should it be delivered?
->Set an appropriate and realistic time-frame for achieving your goal
STEP 2: Find an accountability partner (to agree and endorse the goals with you)
Writing a smart goal is good but not good enough if you consider that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. It is important to find an accountability partner (eg. your friend, senior colleague, mentor, supervisor, parents, sponsor etc) who is interested in your success and can monitor your progress by holding periodical meetings to have joint evaluations of your goal.
STEP 3: Develop an organization system to facilitate achieving the goals:
A smart goal would not fly unless you develop an adequate system to make it work. This means inculcating specific actions into your daily routine to enhance the attainment of the goal. An organization system helps you automate the process of achieving your goal.
A system for achieving phd scholarship goal may include: searching specific scholarship portals once a day or week; reading a scientific article per week; reviewing your CV & SOP periodically, etc.
STEP 4: Develop a reward system:
This is the most interesting part for many people.
Whether munching on a cookie every 1hr when studying OR celebrating each milestone in the process (i.e after submitting an application), a reward system can catapult your effort & keep you motivated. For example, after submitting an application, pat your self at the back & celebrat with a nice drink. Then start looking forward to submitting the next application
Setting SMART goals applies to every area or lifestage. I wish you all the best as you achieve your goals in 2022💪
