Who are Better Planners: Iranians, Americans, Europeans, Arabs? Part II
Many Business books now define a good goal in life or business as one which is S.M.A.R.T.
- S. is for "Specific": "I plan to go to college," is too general, instead, "I plan to go to college and graduate in four years in Graphic Arts with a GPA of higher than 3.5" is more specific and a better goal.
- M is for "Measurable:" In "I plan to do a good job at your company" the "good job" cannot be measured. Instead: "I plan to add at least ten to the number of new customers per month."
- A: is for "Ambitious:" Good goals will push us out of our "comfort zone" a little. "I will improve my English by learning at least 100 news words." is not ambitious or time-bound. A better goal would be" I will learn at least 20 news words every week and target a TOEFL score of 600 by next year."
- R stands for "Realistic:" Many people may become "too ambitious" in setting their goals, and get frustrated because their goals are too far-fetched and more like day dreaming. The number one mistake inexperienced people make in planning projects, whether in business/jobs or in personal life as in marriage, college, etc. is either UNDER- or OVER- Estimating their own capabilities and thei goal potentials.
- T stands for "Time-bound;" This where many of us Iranians need to recognize that "Time is money" and we need to set very specific timetables for our goals and milestones. "I will apply for my visa soon" is not a time-bound goal and therefore not a good one.
So the next time you plan any project in life, even a small one like planning a trip, make sure you start with setting a SMART goal.