Today we know Nawazuddin Siddiqui as one of Bollywood’s finest actors. But did you know that he also starred in Aamir Khan’s Sarfarosh way back in 1999? Why is it then that most of us have heard of him only recently?
Like many others, Siddiqui’s journey to fame was a long one. He faced many obstacles. At one point, he didn’t have enough money to sustain himself in Mumbai. Nonetheless, he remained determined and eventually got his big break.
Siddiqui’s life story tells us that patience and perseverance are key ingredients of success. Having goals in life isn’t enough; you also need to stay focused and work hard. Read on to understand how to stay focused on goals.
What Are Goals?
Different people perceive their goals differently. At its core, a goal is an idea that helps us envision, plan and achieve something. Goals represent the decisions we take and the commitments we make. They help us determine what we want and keep us motivated and focused. Goals can be long-term or short-term, big or small. It can be as simple as trying to not drink that extra cup of coffee every day, or as important as pursuing a dream job.
Goal-setting seems like a simple activity but it needs discipline and direction. You should know how to be focused on your goals to fulfill them. If you set a goal without a plan in mind, your goal-setting process will be incomplete. You should establish targets and take the necessary action to effectively implement your goals. Let’s see how to stay focused on goals as and when you set them.
How To Be Focused On Your Goal
To keep your eyes on the prize isn’t always easy. Many distractions can interrupt your progress. But with the right approach, you can learn how to stay focused on your goal.
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Set SMART Goals
Do you know what SMART goals are? SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-Bound. SMART goals help you structure your objectives in a way that ensures you’re monitoring progress and establishing timelines. Moreover, when goals are specific and realistic, it helps you focus and set priorities.
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Write Your Goals
When you write down your goals, you envision them better. They are no longer abstract or just a thought. Writing helps you stay motivated and helps you progress. Use a planner or maintain a journal to jot down the things you plan to achieve. Add relevant details if it helps.
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Create A Mission Statement
You may have come across mission statements in organizations, but have you heard about personal mission statements? Goals are personal mission statements that give you direction. Identify the things you value, your beliefs and everything you hope to achieve. Create a detailed mission statement (about five to six lines) and frame it on your wall. If you feel distracted, look at the statement and remind yourself of your goals.
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Stop Multitasking
You can’t always expect to multitask and stay focused at the same time. Multitasking can be counterproductive in such cases because you divide your attention between different activities. To complete your work efficiently, concentrate on one task at a time. It’s always better to finish something completely and not juggle multiple tasks at once.
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Implement Motivational Techniques
Inspiration lays the foundation for pursuing your goals effectively. Find suitable motivational techniques that prevent you from losing focus. You can reward yourself once you’ve fulfilled a target. Some people listen to music and exercise to remain energized and improve concentration. Others listen to podcasts or watch inspirational videos.
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Manage Your Time
Time-bound goals are successful when we know how to manage time. If you want to stay focused on your goals and deadlines, you should use a time management system. For example, the Pomodoro Technique—you can learn more about it in Harappa’s courses—is one such powerful time management tool that can help you make progress in your tasks while allowing for sufficient breaks in between. If you time both your tasks and breaks, it will help cut down interruptions.
Conclusion
Goal-setting makes life more fulfilling. You’re encouraged to explore new things and recognize your dreams and aspirations more clearly. Harappa Education’s Practicing Excellence course will teach you how to fulfill targets in a self-guided way. The 1% Rule will teach you how to make small improvements for successful performance. Learn how to manage your time using the Pomodoro Technique. Great things come to those who aren’t afraid of dreaming big and staying focused on their goals.
Explore topics such as Goal Setting, Types of Goals, SMART Goals & the Difference Between Objectives and Goals from our Harappa Diaries section and lead on a path of self-development.