Goal Setting with Chat-GPT: Your Ultimate Guide to Achieving Success in 2024

I reflect on the past year and plan for the upcoming one every year. The process provides motivation, clarity, and a sense of accomplishment. I've posted this process over the last few years to show that my success was intentional. I wasn't just lucky, contrary to what some may like to believe.?

Tenured top performers in sales make it look easy. I can't tell you how often people have seen me in action and said, "That's so easy." They get into sales and realize it's really not. You learn some things when you've been doing it as long as I have. But you know what is easy? Goal-setting with Chat-GPT. I won't write all my goals out here for you peeping-productivity gurus. Some things are better kept private. I will share a few of my goals using Chat-GPT to design my best year ever.

One goal I have every year is to bake in something fun, an event, or a place, at least once a month. Self-care is essential, and blocking out time for fun keeps me from burning out.?

I asked Chat the following:

V: I'd like to schedule 1 place to go for fun in Austin per month. Where should I go?

Chat-GPT: Certainly! Austin, Texas, offers a variety of fun and interesting places to explore. Here's a monthly schedule of places to go for fun in Austin:

1. January: Zilker Botanical Garden - Start the year with a visit to Zilker Botanical Garden, a beautiful oasis featuring themed gardens, walking trails, and vibrant flora. It's a peaceful and refreshing way to begin the year.
2. February: Barton Springs Pool - Enjoy a day at Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed pool in Zilker Park. The water temperature remains around 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, providing a unique and invigorating swimming experience.
3. March: Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail - As spring arrives, explore the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail. Rent a bike or take a leisurely walk along the scenic trail, enjoying views of the lake and the Austin skyline.
4. April: South Congress Avenue (SoCo) - Spend a day exploring South Congress Avenue (SoCo), known for its eclectic shops, trendy boutiques, and vibrant street art. Don't forget to grab a bite at one of the many food trucks.
5. May: Hamilton Pool Preserve - Beat the Texas heat by taking a trip to Hamilton Pool Preserve. This natural pool with a stunning waterfall is surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush vegetation, providing a picturesque spot for a day of relaxation.
6. June: Blues on the Green - Attend Blues on the Green, a free summer concert series held in Zilker Park. Enjoy live music, food trucks, and a laid-back atmosphere with fellow Austinites.
7. July: Mount Bonnell - Hike to the top of Mount Bonnell for panoramic views of the city and the Colorado River. It's a great spot to catch a sunset and take in the scenic beauty of Austin.
8. August: Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum - Explore the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, featuring a collection of sculptures by Charles Umlauf set amidst a serene garden. It's a hidden gem in the heart of the city.
9. September: Austin City Limits Music Festival - Attend the Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival, a major music event featuring a diverse lineup of artists. Experience the vibrant atmosphere and musical diversity in Zilker Park.
10. October: Barton Creek Greenbelt - Enjoy the fall weather with a hike or bike ride along the Barton Creek Greenbelt. This urban oasis offers miles of trails, scenic views, and opportunities for swimming in the creek.
11. November: The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria - Visit The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria, a museum set on the shores of Lake Austin. Explore the outdoor sculpture park and the historic Driscoll Villa.
12. December: Trail of Lights - Wrap up the year with a visit to the Trail of Lights in Zilker Park. This festive event features dazzling light displays, entertainment, and holiday cheer.

Feel free to adjust the schedule based on your preferences and any seasonal events or festivals happening in Austin during each month.

Now I've done about 3/4 of these, so I'm going to change some of these out with places I have on the Austin Events and Things To Do calendar, but this is an excellent start for people who haven't intentionally gotten to know the city.

V: Same question, but I'd like to do a fun event in Austin.

Chat-GPT: Certainly! If you're looking to attend a fun event in Austin each month, the city offers a diverse array of festivals, concerts, and cultural celebrations. Here's a monthly schedule of enjoyable events in Austin:

1. January: Austin Restaurant Weeks - Kick off the year by participating in Austin Restaurant Weeks, where you can explore the city's vibrant culinary scene. Many restaurants offer special menus and promotions during this time.
2. February: Austin Marathon and Half Marathon - Join the excitement of the Austin Marathon and Half Marathon. Whether you're a participant or a spectator, this event brings together the community for a day of fitness and camaraderie.
3. March: South by Southwest (SXSW) - Experience the world-renowned SXSW festival, celebrating the convergence of music, film, and technology. Attend live performances, film screenings, interactive panels, and networking events.
4. April: Eeyore's Birthday Party - Embrace the quirky spirit of Austin by attending Eeyore's Birthday Party in Pease Park. This annual event features live music, costume contests, and drum circles, creating a whimsical atmosphere.
5. May: Pecan Street Festival - Enjoy the Pecan Street Festival, a biannual arts and crafts festival held on historic Sixth Street. Explore booths featuring local artists, musicians, and food vendors.
6. June: Republic of Texas (ROT) Biker Rally - Experience the ROT Biker Rally, one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the U.S. Enjoy the parade, live music, and the vibrant atmosphere that takes over downtown Austin.
7. July: Austin Ice Cream Festival - Beat the summer heat by attending the Austin Ice Cream Festival. Sample a variety of frozen treats, participate in games, and enjoy live music at this family-friendly event.
8. August: Bat Fest - Witness the famous Congress Avenue Bridge bat colony during Bat Fest. This lively event features live music, food vendors, and the opportunity to watch the bats emerge at sunset.
9. September: Austin City Limits Music Festival - Join music enthusiasts from around the world at the Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival. Experience a diverse lineup of artists across multiple stages in Zilker Park.
10. October: Austin Film Festival - Immerse yourself in the world of cinema at the Austin Film Festival. Attend film screenings, panel discussions, and networking events with filmmakers and industry professionals.
11. November: Creek Show - Explore Creek Show, an annual event featuring illuminated art installations along Waller Creek. Take a leisurely stroll along the creek and enjoy the creativity of local artists.
12. December: Armadillo Christmas Bazaar - Get into the holiday spirit at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, a festive market featuring unique gifts, live music, and a lively atmosphere.

Keep an eye on event calendars and local announcements for any changes or additions to the schedule. Austin's dynamic and creative community ensures there's always something fun happening throughout the year.

It's a bit eerie that I've done about half of these, so I'm curious if this is an echo chamber of events I have posted about. These suggestions are also very general. Chat will provide more specific recommendations if I give Chat-GPT direction regarding my interests and hobbies.?

Here's one on a rewriting goal I have.?

V: Set a schedule for me to rewrite a feature script with a month's deadline.

Chat-GPT: Creating a schedule for rewriting a feature script within a month involves breaking down the process into manageable tasks. Here's a sample schedule that you can adapt based on your preferences and availability:

Week 1: Planning and Outlining

1. Day 1-2: Review Existing Script. Read through your current script, making notes on what works and what needs improvement.
2. Day 3-4: Identify Weaknesses and Strengths. Analyze feedback (if any) from previous drafts or readers. Identify areas that need improvement and strengths to retain.
3. Day 5-7: Develop a Revised Outline. Outline the structure of your revised script, focusing on addressing the identified weaknesses and enhancing the strengths.

Week 2: Writing the First Draft

1. Day 8-11: Act 1. Write or rewrite the first act of the script based on your revised outline.
2. Day 12-15: Act 2A. Focus on the first half of the second act. Develop character arcs, conflicts, and plot points.

Week 3: Refining and Expanding

1. Day 16-18: Act 2B. Work on the second half of the second act. Ensure a rising tension and development of the story.
2. Day 19-21: Act 3. Write or revise the third act, resolving conflicts and providing a satisfying conclusion.
3. Day 22-23: Overall Revision. Read through the entire script, addressing any inconsistencies, refining dialogue, and ensuring a cohesive narrative.

Week 4: Polishing and Finalizing

1. Day 24-26: Seek Feedback. Share your script with a trusted friend or writing partner for feedback. Use their insights to make final adjustments.
2. Day 27-28: Final Polish. Make final revisions based on the feedback received. Pay attention to grammar, formatting, and overall readability.
3. Day 29-30: Proofreading and Final Review. Proofread the entire script for errors. Take one last look at the overall flow and coherence. Make any necessary final adjustments.

Deadline: End of the Month

Remember, flexibility is key. If you find that you need more time on a particular section or if unexpected events occur, adjust your schedule accordingly. It's also important to take breaks and step away from your script periodically to maintain a fresh perspective. Good luck with your feature script rewrite!

This helped me break down a large goal into tactical execution, and it took Chat-GPT seconds to do it. I can schedule this, which becomes a no-brainer on what I must do. I know from taking too many writing courses that this oversimplifies the rewrite process, but it's an excellent high-level guide.?

Lastly, an example with a more relatable goal - getting promoted.?

V: What do I need to do to get a promotion?

Chat-GPT: Getting a promotion typically involves a combination of demonstrating your skills, taking on additional responsibilities, showcasing your value to the organization, and effectively communicating your achievements. Here are steps to increase your chances of getting a promotion:

1. Understand Expectations:

• Clarify your current role and the expectations associated with it. Understand the skills and competencies required for the next level or the role you aspire to.

2. Set Clear Goals:

• Establish clear and measurable performance goals that align with your current role and the next level. This provides a roadmap for your achievements.

3. Deliver Exceptional Work:

• Consistently produce high-quality work and meet deadlines. Strive to exceed expectations in your current role to demonstrate your competence and dedication.

4. Take Initiative:

• Volunteer for projects or tasks that go beyond your current responsibilities. Show that you are proactive and willing to take on challenges.

5. Develop Additional Skills:

• Identify skills required for the next level or the role you aspire to and proactively work on developing them. Attend relevant training, workshops, or pursue additional certifications.

6. Build Strong Relationships:

• Cultivate positive relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and key stakeholders. Collaboration and teamwork are often critical factors in promotion decisions.

7. Seek Feedback:

• Request feedback from your supervisor and colleagues. Use constructive criticism to identify areas for improvement and showcase your commitment to personal and professional growth.

8. Communicate Achievements:

• Regularly communicate your accomplishments to your supervisor. Ensure they are aware of the impact of your contributions on team goals or organizational objectives.

9. Document Achievements:

• Keep a record of your achievements, projects, and positive outcomes. This documentation can be valuable when discussing your performance during promotion conversations.

10. Demonstrate Leadership Skills:

vbnetCopy code        

- Showcase leadership qualities by taking the lead on projects, mentoring colleagues, or demonstrating problem-solving abilities. Leadership potential is often a key consideration for promotions.

11. Stay Positive and Professional:

cssCopy code        

- Maintain a positive attitude and exhibit professionalism in all interactions. Demonstrate that you are adaptable, resilient, and capable of handling challenges.

12. Network Within the Organization:

sqlCopy code        

- Attend company events, participate in cross-functional teams, and build relationships with individuals in different departments. Networking can open doors and provide visibility.

13. Express Interest:

cssCopy code        

- Clearly express your interest in advancement to your supervisor or the relevant decision-makers. This demonstrates your ambition and commitment to the organization.

14. Research Salary and Benefits:

cssCopy code        

- Understand the salary and benefits associated with the position you aspire to. This knowledge can be useful during promotion negotiations.

15. Prepare for a Promotion Conversation:

cssCopy code        

- Schedule a meeting with your supervisor to discuss your career path and the possibility of a promotion. Present your achievements, skills, and the value you bring to the organization.

16. Be Patient and Persistent:

cssCopy code        

- Understand that promotions may not happen overnight. Be patient, but also persistently demonstrate your commitment to growth and development.

17. Seek Mentorship:

sqlCopy code        

- Find a mentor within or outside the organization who can provide guidance, advice, and insights into the promotion process.

Remember that the promotion process varies between organizations, so it's important to be attuned to your company's culture and expectations. Regularly assess your progress and adjust your strategies accordingly.

Everything that says Copy Code prompts Chat-GPT to dive deeper into specific topics.?

Here's a link to my post evaluating last year's goals and how I measured up to provide context on how it helps me grow. I didn't nail everything but I got farther than the previous year. That's what matters.

I hope this walk-through provides you with ideas and helps you with accomplishing whatever you set your mind to.

If you have some great tips and tricks, share them. You know I'm interested.

Until we meet again, I wish you an epic life and a prosperous 2024. - Your AI enthusiast, v.