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2.5 GoaL settinG

            We set goals to help us understand what we want, how to achieve it, and how to measure our success. We must understand
            how a goal is defined before we set one. Let us understand how we define a goal:
            Ð ÐIdentify what the goal is about; for example, customer satisfaction, speeding up the delivery process, etc.
            Ð ÐHow would the goal make a difference? For example, will it enhance customer satisfaction; will it result in an
              increase in demand for a product or service; speed up the delivery process; and result in better loyalty and quality
              of the product?

            Ð ÐTo set goals, use the acronym SMART.
            2.5.1 SMART

            Let’s understand what the letters in SMART mean.

            Ð ÐS: Specific: Goals should be stated in specific terms. Vague goals are difficult to attain. Specific goals give us a
              concrete target. Hence, a goal should have a specific purpose.
            Ð ÐM: Measurable: Goals should always be measurable. If we do not set our goals in measurable terms, it is difficult to
              assess whether we have achieved them or not.
            Ð ÐA: Action-oriented: Goals do not manifest themselves on their own. Effective goal setting should include action-
              based steps that one will follow to achieve the goal.
            Ð ÐR: Realistic: There are few things more damaging to our sense of self-efficacy than setting ourselves up for failure.
              Goals must always be realistically attainable.

            Ð ÐT: Timely: Goals must have deadlines. However, deadlines may change according to the situation. But one must
              always set a deadline to get the job done within a specified time limit.

              2.6 seLF-aWaReness

            Self-awareness is about understanding one’s own needs, desires, habits, traits, behaviours, and feelings. Let us understand
            this with a short story.
            There was once a pregnant lion that was on its last legs. She died soon after giving birth. The newborn cub, not knowing
            what to do, makes its way into a nearby field and mingles with a herd of sheep. The mother sheep sees the cub and
            decides to raise it as its child.
            And so, the lion cub grew up along with the other sheep and started thinking and acting just like a sheep. It would bleat
            like a sheep and even eat grass like one!
            But it was never truly happy. The cub always felt that something was missing. And the other sheep would constantly
            criticise it for being so different.
            When we are not aware of ourselves, then we tread in a direction about which we are not clear. Therefore, it is
            important that we be aware of ourselves. When one becomes self-aware, the person starts to become aware of
            everything and looks at situations or things objectively. It plays a critical role in how we understand ourselves and
            relate to others and the world around us.
            Steps towards self-awareness:

            The following are the steps to becoming self-aware.

            Ð ÐThe first step to practising self-awareness is gaining a greater awareness of one’s emotions.
            Ð ÐThe second step to practising self-awareness is making a habit of tracking one’s feelings.
            Ð ÐThe third step to practising self-awareness is expanding one’s practice to areas of life beyond the person’s feelings.





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