Goal Setting Workshop 01.02.2014

Thanks to all the students & PKs for your support w.r.t. the captioned workshop. Overall 33 students & 7 PKs were present.

Parag explained the following concepts in a lucid manner to the students through day-to-day examples:

1.   Concept of goals - short term/mid term/long term.

2.   Long-term goals are always invisible for most of us (though some people can clearly foresee their future. However this needs talent), mid term goals are comparatively visible & short term are the most visible. Hence a reverse planning from long term to short term is required

3.   Though the goal of many of us may appear to be the same, each person's planning/time management/priorities may be different. But they are equally important for all.

4.   Certain things are beyond our control (e.g. college rules & regulations, etc.) the same are not easy to control due to their sudden appearance. Hence they can't also be predicted.

5.   For such uncertain situations one should provide for a contingency plan in the setting the goal. A proper & regular communication with all those concerned, may reduce the intensity of possible loss

6.   Goal setting needs proper enquiry about possible options

7.   Students shared examples of goals such as good job, money, enjoying their education, etc. They were additionally told that marks cannot be a goal but it can be only a measure to see how far one is near or far away from the goal. Hence marks are very important however; there are many things apart from marks that are required for achieving the goal.

8.   Working hard is important but working smart is more important

9.   Always measure ROI (Return on Investment). Investment can be in the form of time, energy, mind share, etc. If Returns ÷ Investment is >1 then one is on the right path & vice a versa.

10.            There should always be a tipping point (i.e. equilibrium) of one's efforts & the result of the same. If one is far away from the same, the ROI may be even 0. Always see how far you are near or far away from ROI & tipping point.

11.            Parag also explained the communication technique with the help of an image of a fish viz 1) eye of the fish - topic of one's speech; 2) Three bones - divide topic into three main headings; 3) Tale - Summary; 4) Conclude with a punch line / slogan/proverb, etc. This can be a technique for any type of communication - long / short

12.            Through group discussion & presentation (3 minutes), students expressed their thoughts about the goal & this was used as a public speaking/communication training as well.

Few Observations (PKs need to take a reality check):

1) Most of the students expressed that they are near the tipping point.

2) Most of the students wish to take up Spardha Pariksha. (Though I tried to subtly warn them that apart from intelligence these exams like CA, UPSC, etc. needs THE ATTITUDE, Mental Strength & KILLING INSTINCT. I also tried to explain that in commerce related options entry is easy but exit may be difficult. Science options will have exactly opposite scenario)

3) 2 students expressed willingness to do business. However, they are not very clear about what is needed for the same (They were given some direction of course). I feel they need to be encouraged & if really talented for business (If this is not a day dreaming), possibility financial help can be evaluated.

Below is a letter of one student viz. Aishwarya Bhogale, Kalyan who is doing her first Year BSC from Birla College, Kalyan and she attended the Goal Setting & Public Speaking Workshop conducted by Bhakti & Parag on 01.02.2015 at Thane.  Aishwarya has written this letter to her Karyakarta Palak who is Snehal Solegaonkar, Thane. 

Thanks and Regards,
Parag Rede
Bhakti Gadgil