GOAL experts have defined it as the end toward which effort is directed. “A goal is an idea of the future or desired result that a person or a group of people envision, plan and commit to achieve.” – Unknown. Quite often we get confused between goal and aim. Are they the same, No. Aim is the process of adjusting and directing one’s action towards achieving a goal and goal is the target that has to be achieved or a desired result. 

We all know the importance of setting goals. It gives us long-term vision and short-term motivation. We acquire knowledge, we organize time and resources so that we can achieve our goals. It gives a purpose and direction for the individual because time is a big factor in goal setting. Once goals are set, we focus on setting our priorities and there will be clarity on what is expected to be done. 

It's not new we walk away from the goal that was set. Half way through sometimes we believe it's not worth attaining the goal. One of the main reasons that I have experienced is not being specific and doubt starts creeping in and we lose commitment to achieve the goal. Tony Robbins once said, “People are not lazy. They simply have impotent goals – that is, goals that do not inspire them.”

“The trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend your life running up and down the field and never score”. – Bill Copeland So how do we achieve our goals? 

George Doran, Arthur Miller and James Cunningham coined the term S.M.A.R.T. This will help to make sure the goals are clear, reachable and understandable.

1.Specific – if goals are not specific then there won’t be enough focus to put in effort to achieve. It's important to answer what has to be accomplished, why this goal is important, who all are the team members involved to achieve the goal. 

2. Measurable – It should be measured so that it can be tracked, know that when the deadline will be met 

3. Achievable – to be successful the goal should be realistic and attainable 

4. Relevant – answering this will help you understand whether this goal matters to you and it aligns with the vision of the organization 

5. Time Bound- When goals are set, a target end date is a must. Nothing can go on forever. Once there is a deadline set then there will be focus and commitment. 

My professional degrees and professional certifications were achieved by setting SMART GOALS 

Mark Murphy has come up with HARD goals, which help individuals or an organization from where they are to where they want to be. It is being analyzed that when super achievers achieve big things, they set HARD goals – HEARTFELT, ANIMATED, REQUIRED, AND DIFFICULT.

1. Heartfelt – in this one will describe why this goal is needed and there will be an emotional attachment to it. When there is a stronger feel for the goal, it is more likely to pursue it. 

2. Animated – the goal is visualized and will have a model or a prototype that would look if the goal is achieved. This helps you connect to the goal in a deeper way. 

3. Required – this goal is completely required for the success of the organization 

4. Difficult – as humans we love challenges. When goals are difficult, we venture into territories we have never been to, learn new skills and this gives us inspiration. 

The weight loss journey that I had undertaken were HARD goals

How do we choose between a SMART and HARD goal, analyzing which of the two help us in constructing goals that are meaningful and purposeful. Smart goals are characterized by simplicity and the speed at which the goal can be created. While HARD goals help us have a feel and our emotions are attached to it, and as a result we can connect to it better.