Goal-Setting | TRW Interns

A Simple Guide To Not Working Blindly

April 27, 2024 by Chioma Oparah

While I stood by the corner of the road, I watched as the young man struggled to cross over to the other side. He made a series of attempts but his efforts proved abortive. I mean, If only he had someone to guide him or even a white cane, he wouldn’t have stressed so much with nothing to show for it. On seeing how frustrated he looked after a series of failed attempts, I walked up to him, had a brief friendly conversation to make him feel a bit relaxed and then I held his hand and crossed him to the other side of the road. I didn’t just stop there. Days later, I reached out to him with a surprise package. A white cane, it was. The excitement on his face was second to none. That marked the end to walking blindly. Oftentimes, a lot of online businesses put in so much effort, yet nothing to show for it. Do you know why? No, it’s not “village people” (evil forces). Most times, it’s as a result of working blindly. Working without the use of data can be a fruitless effort. Having an insight of your data helps you to gain a better understanding of your customers. By analyzing data on customer behavior and preferences, you can develop more targeted marketing campaigns, improve customer service, and create products and services that better meet customer needs. So, are you a business owner who is tired of working so hard without results? Worry no more. The hour of sight restoration has come, if only you believe. All you need is TRW Consult data analytics and business intelligence services. This will enable you to gain valuable, data-driven insights about your operations as well as performance to make informed, data-driven management decisions. The sweetest part is that we are very affordable and you wouldn’t have to break a bank for this. Hurry now to our site to gain more insight about our services and remember to contact us afterwards. Let’s hold you by the hand and provide you with all insights required to move your business to the next big level. We are waiting to have a conversation with you.

Fortune Favours The Curious: Embracing The Power of Inquisitiveness

May 1, 2024February 24, 2024 by Christiana Pepple

In a world constantly evolving at an unprecedented pace, curiosity emerges more than a trait but as a crucial survival skill. The adage “Fortune favours the brave” is widely recognized, but as we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that fortune also favours the curious. The curious are the explorers of our time, those who seek to understand the why behind the “what” and, in so doing, unlock doors to opportunities, innovation, and growth. Curiosity: The Catalyst for Innovation across Domains History is replete with examples of curious minds whose inquiries and explorations have led to ground-breaking discoveries and innovations. From the apple falling on Newton’s head, sparking the theory of gravity, to the development of the internet, curiosity has been the driving force behind human progress. In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, curiosity empowers individuals and organizations to explore new horizons, challenge the status quo, and innovate beyond the confines of current thinking. Curiosity in the Digital Age The digital age has transformed how we learn, work, and connect. With information readily available at our fingertips, the curious mind thrives, constantly seeking new knowledge, skills, and experiences. Social media, a cornerstone of the digital age, serves as a double-edged sword in this pursuit. While it provides endless avenues for exploration and learning, it also demands discernment to navigate the sea of information, distinguishing between what is useful and what is not. Curiosity in Creative Arts The creative arts thrive on curiosity. Artists, writers, musicians, and performers all begin with a “what if” that propels them into the realm of creation. Curiosity prompts a painter to experiment with new techniques or mediums, leading to the birth of a masterpiece. In literature, curiosity drives writers to explore the depths of the human condition, crafting stories that resonate across generations. Musicians who dare to blend genres or employ unconventional instruments often set new trends, enriching the tapestry of global culture. The creative arts, in essence, are a testament to the power of curiosity in pushing the boundaries of expression and understanding, reminding us that every great work of art began as a question. The Curious Mindset in Business and Entrepreneurship In business and entrepreneurship, curiosity is the foundation of competitive advantage. It drives leaders and entrepreneurs to question how they can improve processes, create value, and anticipate the needs of their customers. The curious are those who are not afraid to fail, for they understand that failure is often the precursor to innovation. They are the ones who ask “What if?” and “Why not?” and in doing so, they find new ways to solve old problems and create products and services that change the world. Curiosity in Education In education, fostering a culture of curiosity is paramount for developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a lifelong love for learning. Curious students are not content with rote memorization; they seek to understand the “why” behind facts, leading to deeper comprehension and the ability to apply knowledge in novel situations. Educators play a crucial role in nurturing this trait by encouraging questions, promoting exploratory learning, and creating an environment where not knowing is the first step to discovery. This approach makes learning more engaging and prepares students to navigate the complexities of the modern world with adaptability and an eager mind. Curiosity in Family Life Within the family context, curiosity acts as a bonding agent, encouraging open communication, empathy, and shared learning experiences. Curious families often engage in activities that expand their collective knowledge and understanding, from travel to playing intellectually stimulating games or simply exploring the wonders of their local community. Parents who model curiosity to their children, showing interest in their thoughts, feelings, and activities, lay the groundwork for open, trusting relationships. Moreover, by encouraging children to ask questions and explore their interests, parents foster an environment where learning is not just an educational requirement but a joyous, lifelong pursuit. Nurturing Curiosity So, how does one cultivate this invaluable trait? It begins with fostering a mindset of lifelong learning, being open to new experiences, and not fearing the unknown. It involves asking questions, seeking challenges, and stepping outside one’s comfort zone. In the realm of social media, it means leveraging these platforms not just for entertainment but for education and constructive engagement. Follow thought leaders, join forums and discussions, and share your discoveries and insights. Keep in mind that being curious isn’t merely an individual characteristic; it’s a collective voyage towards enhanced comprehension and creativity. ALSO READ: How to Overcome Low Self-Esteem Conclusion In conclusion, the old saying “Fortune favours the brave” remains true, but in the tapestry of the modern world, the brave are often those who dare to be curious. They are the pioneers of innovation, the seekers of knowledge, and the drivers of progress. As we forge ahead into the unknown frontiers of the future, let us embrace curiosity not just as a trait but as a principle for life. Ultimately, those driven by curiosity will mould the future, uncovering wealth not merely for personal gain but for the greater good of humanity.

Effective Goal-Setting Techniques for Achieving Your Goals

February 7, 2024 by Amos Akande

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Effective goal-setting is critical and essential in life. Setting effective goals is just the beginning, after taking the time to identify what your goals are, achieving your goals can feel overwhelming at times. In this article, we shall look at effective goal-setting techniques and some of the tips on how to achieve your life’s and organizational goals. Goals should focus on your overall purpose, vision, and actionable steps. 1. Write Down Your Goals Physically writing your goals down can help you keep track of them and why they are important. Seeing your goals every day may solidify your intentions and prevent you from making excuses, transforming your goals from thoughts into actions. Writing goals out can highlight the power and passion behind your vision and bring it to life. Use positive language to encourage action and motivation. According to a study carried out by Dr. Gail Matthews of the Dominican University of California, it shows that people who write their goals have a better chance of accomplishing more than those who do not write down their goals. Why is this? Because writing down a goal puts all your focus on that goal and reminds you constantly. Of course, it is not enough to just write a goal on a sheet of paper and then throw that paper in the trash. You need to review that goal consistently. Brian Tracy the master motivator says: I discovered that if it is powerful for you to write down your goals once a year, it is even more powerful for you to write down your goals more often. The main point is simply to put the goals onto paper and then keep them at the front of your brain at all times. Read Also: The Key To Unlocking Your Full Potential 2. Create SMART Goals SMART goals are an essential element of success when it comes to goal-setting methods. SMART goals help organizations, individuals, and businesses set and achieve predetermined objectives, reducing the implementation of vague or ineffective goals that lack guidance. Generating goals that are trackable and consistently monitored will lead to more powerful changes. SMART goals let you succeed while highlighting the particular steps you can take to get there. SMART stands for: S: Specific, M: Measurable, A: Achievable, R: Realistic, T: Time-Bound. Specific The first step in designing your SMART goals is to ensure that they are specific to your needs and requirements. General or indefinite goals and steps can often get quickly misinterpreted, which reduces your likelihood of seeing intended results. Specific SMART goals allow you to list exactly what you want and how you will get it. Your goals may change as you aim for success. Questions you can ask when determining specific elements might include: Where is your life, business, company, or organization now and where do you want to end up? What are the purposes and benefits of fulfilling these targets? What are the possible risks or outcomes of these goals? Who should be involved in the process of setting and meeting expectations? What requirements or restraints are there to this process? What particular tasks will help you accomplish your goals? Research by the creators of goal setting theory, Locke and Latham, found that in 90% of studies conducted, specific and challenging goals lead to higher performance than when people set either easy goals, “do your best” goals, or no goals at all. Both you and your employees need to have clear and established aims, to avoid potentially setting goals so broad that they are overwhelming and therefore too difficult to set into action. The more specific you can be with your goal, the better. When setting a goal, try to answer the six “W’s” 1. Who will your goal involve? This can be professors, parents, peers, classmates, and others. 2. What are you trying to achieve? 3. When do you want to accomplish this goal? Is there a hard deadline, or is there some flexibility? 4. Where is this goal located? 5. Why is this an important goal to you? 6. Which resources will you need to use to accomplish this goal? Which constraints and requirements do you have to complete this goal? These questions will help you break down each goal into manageable steps, recognize what areas you may need support in, and identify and solve roadblocks early on. This also enables you to get extremely specific when setting SMART goals. Measurable The second step in producing your SMART goals is to decide how they can be measured, calculated, or evaluated. Measuring your goals gives you tangible, quantitative results so you can check your progress and determine whether you have achieved your intended results. Measurable goals could include particular dates, times, numbers, or percentages. Measurable goals also allow you to establish if you are surpassing your goal or falling short of it. A few questions that will help you determine measurable goals include: How or when will you know that your objectives are accomplished? What other indicators will you use to measure progress? What amount of expenses and resources do you need to obtain your goal? What data or feedback measures are in place to calculate success? How can you track or estimate progress during the goal journey? When you are setting goals, ask yourself how you will know when you have accomplished the goal and how many things you will need to do between the starting point and the finish line. Achievable While the goals you set should be challenging, they also need to be achievable. Consider your capabilities and constraints, such as time, finances, resources, and capacity. Use these factors to inform your decision and ensure each goal you pursue is worthwhile. A SMART goal must be within reach and reasonably attainable. If your goals are too impractical, you and your team may become discouraged. It is always wise to ensure that you have the proper finances, resources, and staff before going ahead with a plan or goal. Techniques for setting … Read more

Effective Techniques for Achieving Your Goals ( Part 2)

February 7, 2024 by Amos Akande

Effective techniques for goal-setting and how to achieve your goals were considered in part one of this article. Here, we shall look at the remaining techniques for achieving your goals. 4. Choose Goals That Inspire, Motivate, And Challenge You When you are spending a lot of time, energy, and effort working towards something, you can quickly lose momentum if you are not excited about it. This goes back to ensuring that the goals you set are relevant to you and your interests. In addition, completing a challenging goal can feel highly rewarding and can push you to learn, grow, and hone your skills. What is more, overcoming a challenge can give you even more motivation to work on other goals, provide a sense of pride, and build your confidence in the face of bigger, more challenging goals in the future. 5. Create Mini – Goals/Break It Down If your business, company, or organization has many objectives, creating mini–goals is an excellent way to break down the desired result into workable steps. Because goals are often long-term and abstract by nature, make them more digestible by breaking them down. Use a “goal ladder” by writing your main goal at the top rung of the ladder steps, writing down the smaller goals you need to achieve to achieve your main goal. Mini goals provide a perfect framework for significant goals that may seem overwhelming or unmanageable at first. You can implement this smaller goal slowly and effectively to succeed without added pressure. Read Also: Strategies To Build A Successful Career (Part 2) 6. Develop A Plan Of Action Now that you know what you are working toward, it is time to figure out how you are going to get there. Write down the individual steps you need to take to achieve your goals. Creating a plan of action will keep you on track. As you work your way through each step of your plan, cross it off so you can see how much further you have to go and feel optimistic about your progress. We are frequently so focused on the outcome of our goals that we fail to establish a strategy for obtaining them. Setting objectives is an ongoing activity, not a one-time event. Set reminders and schedule frequent blocks of time to sit down and examine your goals and progress to stay on track. Setting goals includes more than just expressing a wish for something to happen. To achieve success, you must first define what you want and understand why you want it in the first place. Create a step-by-step plan to accomplish goals that take a lot of time and effort. Break up larger, lengthier goals into smaller, manageable tasks and create a timeline for each task to ensure you are on track for your target date. This can help you avoid procrastination, keep the motivation alive, and make a big goal feel less overwhelming. Implement these steps in your goal-setting activities and watch your efforts pay off. 7. Take Action Goals are not going to be achieved themselves. Once you have a clear plan of how you want to achieve your goals, it is time to get proactive. Put your plan into action, even the smallest act makes you one step closer to your goal. 8. Make A Commitment Be honest here: are you going to do something if you don’t make a firm commitment to it? No way. You need to be passionately, firmly, unwaveringly, committed to crushing your goal. There is no room for wavering here. No half-hearted attempt at “being a better person”. Take concrete steps to structure your life to win. 9. Use Incentives Using incentives, such as a rewards system can be a great way to motivate and encourage employees and team members. This encouragement allows your team to work together to maintain progress towards your goals. Incentives provide a desirable reason to accomplish your goal within a specific time frame or deadline. They may also boost collaboration and participation. It can speed up your workflow and introduce rewards that bring value to your business. Employees will get excited to meet goals that bring success to the entire organization while also receiving personal fulfillment. Before you can implement incentives, it is essential to find out what your employees prefer or find beneficial. Common examples of incentives to meet goals may include Bonuses, social events or parties, gift cards, public recognition, extra vacation time, etc. Providing desirable incentives or rewards can increase productivity, and morale and support high performance in your organization. Reinforcing your organization’s values and mission while recognizing your team’s hard work and dedication is important for creating a positive environment. 10. Utilize The PACT Method Like the SMART strategy, PACT is another goal-setting technique that stands for Purposeful, Actionable, Continuous, and Trackable PACT is more output-focused than other techniques, which is excellent for long-term goals that require consistent progress to complete. To utilize the PACT technique, your goal should be: Purposeful: Goals with purpose are ones based on the values you have. This step involves you looking at what is driving you to achieve this goal. Actionable: In PACT, being actionable is about making progress every day without over-planning or overthinking about the future. After all, PACT goals are typically longer-term, allowing daily actions to stack up over time to achieve great things. Continuous: Continuous in PACT means that you should feel free to experiment with your actions as long as you continue to make progress. For this, avoid overanalyzing or worrying about making a “wrong” choice. All journeys will likely contain errors; it is more important that you learn from mistakes and continue to grow. Trackable: Tracking your progress not only keeps you on track, but it allows you to reflect on how far you have come and keeps you moving forward. PACT tracking can involve anything. e.g. How much time you devoted to leadership training, learning new things or skills related to your goal, and more. Tracking … Read more

How to Set Achievable Goals

May 1, 2024February 7, 2024 by Kikelomo Olagoke

Kelvin let out another prolonged, audible sigh. He flipped through his notebook as if searching for something. As with every year’s end, he found his goals and resolutions staring back at him, unmet and unfulfilled. This annual reckoning wasn’t just a glance at a list; it was a journey through the past year, revisiting the moments he envisioned success and acknowledging the instances where he fell short. Each unchecked box carried the weight of a missed opportunity, a promise unkept. For Kelvin, this pattern was familiar—a cycle of fervent beginnings fading into the abyss of unmet expectations. However, this year felt different. Instead of resigning to the disappointment, Kelvin paused. His mind teemed with strategies and advice he’d come across, scattered thoughts on setting achievable goals and transforming aspirations into reality. I think it is right to assume that we are in that month where yearly goals are revisited. This juncture often prompts reflection for many—a time to assess accomplishments, concede to the year’s end, or rush through pending aspirations. It’s a recurring cycle where the fervor and optimism of January gradually fade into unmet expectations and disillusionment. Sometimes, the inability to transform aspirations into reality isn’t due to external factors like” village people” or lack of passion; it’s a complex interplay of various reasons. These reasons vary and depend on individuals. Goals are specific targets or objectives you aim to achieve. Goals can be short-term or long-term in nature Amongst other tips, consider these strategies to attain your goals: Begin by vividly documenting your aspirations; write them down in a tangible form, be it a notebook or a digital notes app. Break down overarching goals into smaller, achievable milestones, perhaps on a weekly or monthly basis. Merely jotting down aspirations won’t suffice; outline actionable steps. This is where many make mistakes, they stop at writing and hope things turn out along the line. Consider the “what,” “how,” “when,” and “where.” All goals require meticulous plans. Establish deadlines to infuse urgency and accountability into the process. Evaluation and assessment periodically. This gives room for modification where necessary. Foster a support system. Surround yourself with individuals who inspire, motivate, and hold you accountable. Engage with communities, mentors, or friends who can offer guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback as you pursue your goals. Now, let’s take this instance as a case study; if you aim to become a tech professional by this time next year without an iota of where to start. You have to research and identify the tech skill that interests you. Determine whether the learning approaches are virtual, physical, or a mix. Identify suitable learning resources. Consider financial readiness. Explore the available free courses. Seek guidance from industry experts or mentors. You can start by following them on social media. For those navigating a 9–5 job, plan how to incorporate the skill acquisition into spare moments. These will birth more questions and give you more insight, thereby guiding you to draft actionable plans to actualize your goals. Please note that the journey toward goal attainment is dynamic. Adjustments might be necessary due to unforeseen circumstances or challenges. Flexibility and adaptability are key, so modifying strategies is acceptable. Don’t confine your dreams to the pages of a notebook—act upon them, for therein lies their transformation into reality. ALSO READ: Effective Goal-Setting Techniques for Achieving Your Goals Now is the time to reignite that spark of determination. Instead of feeling disheartened by unmet goals, let’s use this moment to strategize and create a roadmap towards achievable success. Take a pen, open that digital notepad, whatever works for you and let’s dive into turning aspirations into concrete, achievable milestones. I believe in you. I’m rooting for you.

Help! I Need to Declutter My Mind – 15 Steps to Declutter Mind

February 7, 2024 by Esther Adekoya

Help! I need to declutter my mind

Where the mind goes…the man follows – Joyce Meyer

Take care of your mind so it can tread the right path and remain.

Hear what Nancy said, ‘I’m finding it difficult to connect to my mind. Most times it seems stuff get mixed up in my mind and getting it out gives me a lot of mental stress.’

‘For me, I encountered great difficulty because of tangled thoughts. Being productive with my mind is such a hard task,’ chipped in Richard

‘Finishing tasks is my struggle, lots of non-essentials get in the way and hinder good outcomes, added Sandra.

Professor Don looked at his students and tried to put their complaints together. ‘What you need is a mind declutter and then you’re good.’

‘Prof, my challenge is information overload. I bite more than I can chew and I get stuck.’ Gina said with a raised eyebrow and lifted her shoulder with outstretched arms.

‘ I want you all to listen to the following Tell-tale signs. A cluttered mind can manifest itself in various ways, which can affect your mental well-being and overall cognitive function.

Causes of Declutter Mind

Difficulty Concentrating: A common sign of mind or mental clutter is when you struggle to focus on tasks and easily get distracted.
Forgetfulness: Forgetting important details, appointments, or tasks may indicate that your mind is overwhelmed with information and you need fresh space or declutter.
Feeling Overwhelmed: Constantly feeling overwhelmed or anxious, even in seemingly simple situations, suggests that your mind may be cluttered with stressors.
Procrastination: Delaying tasks or avoiding responsibilities can be a sign that your mind is cluttered with conflicting thoughts and priorities.
Mind Racing: Experiencing a racing mind with a constant stream of thoughts, ideas, and worries can be a clear indication of mental clutter.
Lack of Clarity: Feeling confused or uncertain about your goals, priorities, or decision-making may suggest mental clutter.
Physical Tension: Physical symptoms like tension headaches, muscle tightness, or other stress-related issues can be linked to mental clutter.
Difficulty Sleeping: Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns may be a sign that your mind is not able to relax and unwind.
Increased Irritability: If you find yourself becoming more irritable, frustrated, or easily agitated, it could be a result of mental clutter.
Decreased Creativity: A cluttered mind may hinder your ability to think creatively or come up with innovative solutions.
Inability to Make Decisions: Difficulty making decisions, even simple ones, may suggest an overload of choices or conflicting thoughts in your mind.
Constant Worrying: Excessive worrying about the future or things beyond your control can contribute to mental clutter.
Lack of Motivation: A cluttered mind may lead to a lack of motivation and enthusiasm for activities you once enjoyed.
Feeling Disconnected: Feeling disconnected from yourself or others may indicate that your mind is preoccupied with too many thoughts or concerns.

Steps to Declutter Your Mind

If you recognize these signs in yourself, follow these proactive steps to declutter your mind. Creating a mental space that is clear and focused can contribute to improved well-being and a greater sense of control over your life and create a more focused and peaceful mindset:

Prioritize and Set Goals: Identify your priorities and set clear goals. This helps you direct your mental energy toward what truly matters and reduces the mental noise from conflicting tasks.
To-Do Lists: Create daily or weekly to-do lists to organize your tasks. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps to make them less overwhelming.
Mind Dump: Take a few minutes to write down all the thoughts, tasks, and ideas swirling in your mind. This “mind dump” helps externalize your thoughts and makes them easier to manage.
Organize Information: Use tools like notebooks, digital apps, or calendars to organize information and deadlines. Having a systematic approach to information management can reduce mental clutter.
Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time to different tasks or activities. This helps you focus on one thing at a time and reduces mental multitasking.
Learn to Say No: It’s essential to set boundaries and learn to say no when necessary. Overcommitting can lead to mental overwhelm.
Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness or meditation practices to bring your attention to the present moment. This can help calm your mind and reduce unnecessary thoughts.
Limit Information Intake: Reduce the amount of information overload by being selective about the media you consume. Limit your exposure to negative news and social media if it contributes to mental clutter.
Establish Routines: Develop daily routines that provide structure and predictability. Routines can help automate certain aspects of your day, freeing up mental space for more important decisions.
Delegate Tasks: If possible, delegate tasks that others can handle. You don’t have to do everything yourself, and sharing responsibilities can lighten your mental load.
Take Breaks: Schedule breaks throughout your day to rest and recharge. Stepping away from work or stressful situations can help clear your mind and improve focus when you return.
Reflect and Evaluate: Regularly reflect on your goals, values, and priorities. Evaluate whether your current commitments align with these and make adjustments as needed.
Practice Gratitude: Cultivate a positive mindset by practicing gratitude. Focus on the things you are thankful for, which can shift your perspective and reduce mental clutter.
Seek Support: Share your thoughts and concerns with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist. Talking about your feelings can be therapeutic and provide a fresh perspective.
Limit Multitasking: Multitasking can lead to mental fatigue and decreased efficiency. Focus on one task at a time to improve concentration and reduce mental clutter.

Remember that decluttering your mind is an ongoing process, and finding what works best for you may require some experimentation. By incorporating these strategies into your routine, you can create a more organized and focused mental space.

Do yourself this big favour as we surf into the new year so you can increase your output and productivity.