"Divide each difficulty into as many parts as is feasible and necessary to resolve it." Rene Descartes
You’ve got goals to set and you’re all fired up about them. You’ve told some people (friends, family members, a teacher?), and they’re cheering you on. Congratulations! Now what?
Making a plan is smart goal setting
Are there deadlines? What tools do you need? Do you need to accommodate other people’s schedules (if you don’t drive, for example, and need a ride).
Once you figure out what has to happen first, build out the sequence of steps, dividing your plan into actionable or measurable steps. How you build your plan—such as the extent and nature of the steps, where and how you record them, etc.—depends on what your goal is (simple or complex) and what kind of a person you are (detail oriented or “big picture”).
It might help to imagine your goal as the top rung of a ladder. Each rung on the ladder is one step closer to achieving your dreams.
Keep it in front of you
Keep it real by writing it on a calendar, in a To Do list, or goal journal. Need help? See EduGuide ShortCut: "All Goal Setting Students Need a Goal Journal" or EduGuide ShortCut: "Want Help Achieving Your Dreams? Use Affirmations and Visualizations."
Launch it
The sooner the better. Need help? See EduGuide ShortCut: "Overcome Procrastination and Get the Job Done."
Review your progress toward your goal regularly. Modify your plan if you need to.
Sources: it-career-coach.net; calpoly.edu; careerplanning.about.com;
timethoughts.com/timemanagement