Stop Trying to Tackle Too Many Goals at Once

It’s easy to make a list of a bunch of goals you want to accomplish and then beat yourself up because you haven’t accomplished what you set out to do. I have a friend who overcomplicates every goal so that there are so many steps and things for her to keep track of that she ends up feeling dejected because it was too time consuming. As you reflect on your goals and objectives, here’s a great summary and a link to a full article about having focus as you set your goals.?

Most of us know that trying to tackle too many goals at once is a bad idea. It’s tough to make meaningful progress on any of them, and you’re more likely to just give up. So take a step back to determine which goal deserves your focus right now. Make sure your goal is aligned with your company’s strategic vision. The most direct way to do this is to ask your boss for input: What do you think is the most important goal I can be working on this year??

If you’re choosing between equally compelling goals, the next step is to put them in chronological order to determine their optimal sequence. Make a list of what you’ll need to have in place — skills, knowledge, connections, assets, etc. — in order to accomplish your longer-term goals. Be on the lookout for a “keystone goal,” that, if accomplished, makes everything else easier or more attainable. And commit to sticking with your goal for a predetermined amount of time. If you don’t see immediate progress, don’t be tempted to switch course. Give it at least six months. By then you’ll have a better sense of whether you’re on the right track.

This tip is adapted from “Don’t Bog Yourself Down with Too Many Goals,” by Dorie Clark