Semester Style Planning for Effective Goal Setting
September is known as the notorious “Back to School” month. There's a palpable energy in the air. Everyone seems to be “starting up” again.
Did you know, according to organizational behavior experts, September and October tend to be our most productive months?
So I figured, why not put our best foot forward and figure out how to seize that opportunity of productivity and activate it for ourselves.
For those who have been on my mailing list for awhile, you know I write about goal setting from time to time.
Because it is easy to get lazy with goal setting, I like to occasionally tee it up, and offer new ways of thinking about how to achieve our goals.
While most of us are probably not headed back to school, the “back to school” mentality provides a tidy process for enabling us to think through and activate our goal planning process.
First, let's think about what can impede progress on those things that are important to us …
Never setting Goals in the first place.
It does take discipline to be in an active state of goal setting. So often we just move through our days dealing with what comes our way. We are well aware of what we need to accomplish at work or home, but sometimes without specificity, it becomes a big blur, and we end up in a reactive more so than a proactive state.
Setting goals and creating an execution plan is pivotal. Without them, dreams remain unfulfilled, healthy habits don't materialize, and side hustles never take off.
Setting goals that are too big and lofty.
We've all been there—setting lofty, ambitious goals that sparkle with promise at the outset but often fizzle out before they're achieved.
I’m guilty of this. Big chunky goals get on my weekly planner almost every week.
So as my eyes quickly scan what I need to do, they go past those chunky goals because they will just consume too much time, or I don’t really know how to begin, because I haven’t thought it through.
The culprit? Our tendency to overlook the importance of breaking these grand objectives down into manageable, bite-sized steps. Without a clear roadmap to follow, we become overwhelmed and lost amidst the hustle and bustle of our daily lives.
Not defining a time table.
We need a point in the future to work towards. This helps keep us accountable, actively working towards that goal. Without it, there is little pressure applied to move forward.
So what’s the solution?
Think back to your first day of school—shiny new notebooks, new classes, and the excitement of reconnecting with friends. But as you started out on a new year, what really set you up for success?
Well, at least one big thing was the clear roadmap laid out by your teachers in the form of a detailed syllabus, guiding you week by week toward an end result.
So if you’re with me, put your school hat back on. Find some time and sit down with a pen and paper. We’re going to think like a student.
Write out 2-3 goals you are interested in achieving … this fall … this semester … over the next 12 weeks.
Think about what is most important to you. Is it related to your job … or your family? Is it about personal growth? Financial freedom? Health goals? Planning a once in a lifetime vacation? Getting involved in your community? Learning a new instrument or language? Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit that you're ready to activate? Do you want to earn a certificate in an area of interest? The list can be endless.
Think about how you'll feel when you accomplish these goals. Figure out what really gets you excited and how you will get there.
Write your syllabus.
Creating your roadmap is critical. It will ensure success … and may just be the most painful, but most critical part of the process.
Without a roadmap, a big goal can be intimidating and often not get accomplished.
As an example, signing up for a race is one strategy that many use to activate a regular fitness regime.
Want to run a marathon? Find one, register for it, and then start counting backwards to determine what you need to do on a weekly basis up to race day.
How much do you run … or walk every week? Where? What other training do you do? How should you eat to support this increased level of fitness? Do you need a coach or trainer? Do you need a nutritionist? What books or podcasts can you listen to for learning?
As you brainstorm everything you need to do, start slotting them into your weekly plan. If the roadmap you are embarkiing on is unfamiliar territory, you may begin with consulting an “expert” - in person, or via book or podcast, to help shed light on your roadmap.
Write your steps down, and in the order which makes sense. If you have your eyes on a result in 12 weeks, write down the specific steps you need to accomplish every week.
Schedule it.
Think about how much time you want to spend on your goal(s) each week. Consistency is most important, rather than the total time committed. Maybe it's just an hour or two each week; maybe it’s a full 8 hours spread out over a few days.
Find a consistent dedicated time on your calendar where you can focus on your goal(s) every week. Transfer your roadmap steps onto your calendar over the next 12 weeks, or block the time and keep your roadmap handy for reference.
Track it.
At the end of each semester, students receive grades based on their performance. In your adult version of the "back to school" mentality, evaluate your progress. Did you achieve your semester goals? If not, what hindered your progress, and how can you adjust your approach in the next semester?
Benefits of the Semester-Style Approach
Focus and Prioritization: By limiting your focus to a few goals each semester, you can direct your attention and effort toward what truly matters to you.
Sustainability: Smaller, manageable tasks are less daunting and more sustainable over the long term.
Adaptability: The flexibility of the semester model allows you to adjust your goals as circumstances change or as you discover new interests and passions.
Accountability: Regular progress assessments keep you accountable and motivated, much like quizzes and exams for students.
Sense of Achievement: Achieving your semester goals provides a sense of accomplishment and the motivation to set new objectives for the next semester.
So, this fall as you feel the autumn breeze, let it serve as a reminder to adopt the semester-style goal-setting approach and unlock your potential for growth and success.
As James Clear says, we need a “system” to make progress.
Let me know if you give it a whirl … :)