Setting your pratical ramadan goals!

I believe in planing ahead or defining ones direction … Afterall how do you know where you want to be, how to get there or if you get there? Here is a quick look at how you can set and meet(insha Allah) practical goals for  month of ramadan ahead. Feel free to send in your comments or questions and we will respond accordingly insha Allah!

How to set your goals:

There is no use setting goals you can’t reach or can’t measure. It shouldn’t be like the popular “new year resolution” list that goes unresolved. So Do YOU WANT TO REALLY DO THIS?! If yes, then to make sure your ramadan goals counts make them SMART goals-

• S = Specific =>
  • Poor> (i will pray more)
  • Better >(i will pray salat 5 times daily)

• M = Measurable =>
  • Poor> (I will read the quran)
    
  • Better>( i will read the quran from start to finish by the last day of ramadan)
    
• A = Attainable=>
  • Poor> (I  will go to the mosque 5 times daily {when you work 9-5 in a location  far from any mosque} ?!)
    
  • Better> ( i will go the mosque at least twice a day during this month of ramadan{in the more and evenings})
• R = Realistic
  
  • Poor>( i will preach and convert people to islam during ramadan) you are not Allah?!
  • Better>(i will ensure i encourage 5 people with my attitude and preaching to want to be muslim during the month of ramadan.)
    
• T = Timely
  • Poor>(I will feed poor people)
    
  • Better> (I will feed one poor person a day, at launch time through out ramadan)
    

More tips:

• Set your goals and seek Allah’s grace towards reaching it…
• Write it out and stick it in someplace you wont miss.. your mirror.. your door … or you could make it your phone or computer screensaver.
• Prioritise your goals… does just splash around your thoughts and dreams and start a rat race.
• Get tools and things you need to real your goals… never be afraid to ask for help!! ( just prepare your mind that of  worse and u will be fine e.g. you can get is a “no” or “buzz off” its not the end of the world!)
• Set an alarm (and make loud enough if need be) – adhan software on your computer could remind you is time to leave work and go for salat. You could record quran recitations on mp players (and listen with your headset that way you don’t disturb others) .You could also surround yourself with like minds or tell people around you who could help you attain your goals.
• Dont forget to cut cost when and where you can! – this is the time to think of alternatives so that you have more to give out.
• MAKE ALL GOALS TO PLEASE ALLAH AND FOR YOUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

I encourage you to pick up a pen and a piece of paper and jot down the goals you want to reach. Look at each goal and evaluate it. Make any changes necessary to ensure it meets the criteria for a SMART goals.

Ramadan is a month of harvest for the wise! reap as much as you can!!

ma salam

Q. Latyfah