Robert,
this is a great description. I especially like the addition of "with the assets at hand." I think this is an aspect that is often overlooked.
Dr. Ryan Meers
A reasonable goal is one that can be attained within a reasonable time oeriod and with the assets at hand. To take on a goal such as doubling the size of classes in 6 months would probably not be reasonable in most market areas.
albert,
this is a great lesson to be learned. Also, make sure that you don't have too many goals that you are working on at any one time; make sure it is manageable for you.
Dr. Ryan Meers
My problem over the years is focus on the goal as a priority. Often I find other situations more pressing at the moment. Setting clear measurable goals step by step will now be my path toward goal achievement. This will help with my time management allowing me to reach my goal in clear steps instead of leaps that fall short or are not ever attempted.
mindy,
I would agree & I think a reasonable goal is challenging & stretches us.
Dr. Ryan Meers
A reasonable goal is just that, something within reason. Can it be accomplished ? If the goal can be met then it is a reasonable goal. A unreasonable goal would be a goal that truly can not be met. I am not talking about a goal that a person does not want to do and calls it unreasonable. I am talking about a goal that truly can't be met. I believe most unreasonable goals can be met over a longer period of time if the right smart is put into play.
Dan,
I guess I would say that if the goal is too uneasily met then it is an unreasonable goal. And the goals that are attainable, but demand extra effort & work are reasonable, they are just stretching.
Dr. Ryan Meers
We can undermine ourselves by setting reasonable goals. The problem is that we may never see that they were reasonable because we will attain them and never think about going beyond them or that we may have sold ourselves or our staff short. The goals themselves are the limits that stop us from succeeding even more. Basically, setting goals that you know you can accomplish can defeat the purpose of setting goals.
I see unreasonable goals are goals that scare you at least a little, that you resist saying out loud, but also set you on fire, light you up, or generate energy and inspiration just by saying them out loud. They will require you and your staff to go “all in;†you can’t reach unreasonable goals with ordinary efforts and actions.
A reasonable goal fits into the "smart" criteria. It's specific, measurable, achievable with in the time frame, realistic and with in the means of present resources and limited by time. An unreasionable goal would be vague and the opposite of SMART.
Edward,
you make a great point here that our goals have to be attainable. That may mean that we need smaller goals to start off & work our way up.
Dr. Ryan Meers
In my vast experiences and lesson learned mentality, I have found that reasonable goals have to be not only measureable but attainable. A simple example would be New Years Eve when most people are making their resolutions for the coming year. Unrealistic comes to mind for some of my colleagues who are setting the same goals year after year. Sounds good but not attainable.
When making and assessing my goals whether personal or work, I use a phrase my dad had taught me many years ago; work smarter not harder.This has applied to many successful goals.
Thomas,
yes, anything else is not reasonable.
Dr. Ryan Meers
You have to make a reasonalbe goal challeneging but hopefully attainable. If you set the goal to high that will lead to failure and disappointment and defeat the purpose of setting a goal.
A reasonable goal is one that can be achieved within a short period of time. An unreasonable goal is one that may take too much or too little time to complete.
vinita,
I especially like your point about the goals becoming learning tools for future goals.
Dr. Ryan Meers
These are definitely tangible. They can be tracked, evaluated at stages and measured .They also become a learning tool for setting future goals.
Unreasonable goals may be of good intent but if they are not measurable or have no time frame they become ineffective.
Van,
I like your statement about the goal having merit: merit for the individual & merit for the organization.
Dr. Ryan Meers
A reasonable goal is one in which the outcome has merit. The merit can be of use to either the individual or the company and hopefully for both. I should also, as discussed, be SMART. If you don't have that direction it is very difficult to see the why.
Gina,
yes the reasonable goals are challenging & difficult, but definitely attainable.
Dr. Ryan Meers
A reasonalbe goal is one that has the possibility of being achieved. It may take time and effort, but it is not unrealisitic or outside of the bounds of human ability.
