Have you
ever thought about a formula for the Perfect Day? After inquiring with
students and staff about describing their Perfect Day, I noticed a simple
solution for this equation. Even though,
each of us want to spend more leisure time with family and friends, research indicates that spending five hours a
day toward pursuit of pleasurable activities has no correlation with the feelings
of satisfaction. Yet, I feel that a Perfect Day rests upon the feeling
of accomplishment instead of satisfaction from leisure activities.
When you reach attainable goals the
sense of accomplishment increases, making you feel that the day is perfect.
Daily we must remind ourselves of set goals and notice the slightest accomplishment
will motivate us toward continual pursuit. For instance, if you set a goal to
receive B+ in a particular course, then each test with a score of B+ or higher
brings you closer to your overall goal. So celebrate these small
accomplishments as a mini success toward the ultimate goal. By connecting small
accomplishments, it will improve your chances of reaching the intended goals.
As you analyze your Perfect Day, I encourage you to set
goals that will motivate you. Set attainable goals; yet have goals that will
bring value. Then write the goals so you will see them daily. Your goals should
meet the SMART test as outlined from the Golden
Rules of Goal Setting:
·
Specific
Goals – must be clear and well defined. Don’t write vague or
generalized goals but specific to the task you want to accomplish.
·
Measurable
Goals – must include precise amounts, dates, etc. that you can
claim success when you reach each goal. Without a way to measure, how will you
know that you attain the goal?
·
Attainable
Goals – please ensure that you can achieve these goals. If the
goal in unreachable within a specific timeframe then you become discourage and
lose hope.
·
Relevant
Goals – Make the goals relevant toward your career so you can
develop the focus toward your end results.
·
Time-Bound Goals – all your goals must have
a deadline. When you see that deadline, it will improve your focus and give you
that sense of urgency.
Remember—without focus, failure occurs. So you must keep your
goals somewhere noticeable as a reminder to strive for that Perfect
Day.
